One Ambassador Abiodun Bashua has been identified as another Nigerian in the ill-fated Ethiopian Airline which crashed on Sunday morning, killing all 157 passengers and crew members on board.
The plane, which was bound for Nairobi, crashed six minutes after leaving Addis Ababa for Nairobi in Kenya.
Ambassador Abiodun Bashua’s death was confirmed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama in a tweet a few hours ago, where he said:
“Also received with shock the news that the Nigerian onboard the ill-fated flight, Ambassador Abiodun Bashua was a retired Nigerian Foreign Service Officer who worked for UNAMID and the @UN Office to the @_AfricanUnion.
In January 2019, he was nominated Interim Chair of the Nigerian Community in Ethiopia. May his soul rest in perfect peace” he said.
The other Nigerian aside Ambassador Abiodun Bashua who also died in the ill-fated plane was Professor Pius Adesanmi who is also a Canadian, born in 1972, was also a columnist for Premium Times and Sahara Reporters.
Carleton University, where Mr Adesanmi taught, also confirmed his death. They had put up this statement confirming his death:
“The Carleton community is shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Prof. Pius Adesanmi, who was among the 18 Canadians killed in today’s crash of an Ethiopian Airlines jet at the Addis Ababa airport,” the university said in a statement.
“Global Affairs Canada has confirmed that Adesanmi is among the victims.
“Pius was a towering figure in African and post-colonial scholarship and his sudden loss is a tragedy,” said Benoit-Antoine Bacon, president and vice-chancellor. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those who knew and loved him, and with everyone who suffered loss in the tragic crash in Ethiopia.
“The contributions of Pius Adesanmi to Carleton are immeasurable,” said Pauline Rankin, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. “He worked tirelessly to build the Institute of African Studies, to share his boundless passion for African literature and to connect with and support students. He was a scholar and teacher of the highest calibre who leaves a deep imprint on Carleton.
“A further tribute about Adesanmi’s leadership and many contributions to the Carleton community will be shared as soon as possible.”
This makes Adesanmi and Ambassador Abiodun Bashua the two Nigerians who have been so far identified as Nigerians on the ill-fated flight.