Staff members of United Nations in Nigeria, in solidarity with their counterparts worldwide, observed a minute of silence to honor the UN personnel who tragically lost their lives in the ongoing Israeli-Hamas conflict.
During a brief ceremony at the UN House in Abuja, Acting UN Resident Coordinator and Resident Representative of UNDP, Mohamed Yahya, expressed, “It is with great sadness that we join all UN personnel around the world in all duty stations to observe a minute of silence today, to mourn and honor our colleagues who were killed in Gaza.” The UN flag was lowered at half-mast as a mark of respect on this solemn occasion.
Yahya requested all present to join in observing a minute of silence, emphasizing the significance of honoring the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to humanity.
At the UN Nigeria Programme Management Team retreat in Niger State, 86 staff members also observed a minute of silence in compliance with this solemn occasion. At exactly 1:30 p.m., participants at the retreat rose to pay tribute to the fallen colleagues in Gaza.
Concluding the moment of silence, Yahya conveyed a heartfelt wish, “May their souls rest in peace.” In this time of reflection, we unite in mourning and extend our sympathies to the families and friends of our departed colleagues.
