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Godwin Ajala Obituary
Godwin Ajala was proud of being a lawyer in Nigeria. But because of hard times there, he immigrated to the United States in 1995, hoping to earn far more to support his family. At first he bounced between jobs, but ultimately he landed a steady position as a security guard at the World Trade Center. Still, he was frustrated, and he began pursuing his dream of becoming a lawyer in America, setting his sights on passing the New York State Bar Exam.
His roommate, Christopher Onuoha, said Mr. Ajala worked from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., went home for a nap and then studied for the bar for six to eight hours, often late into the night. Co-workers said he was last seen helping people escape from the trade center.
"When he was living here, he was suffering in terms of always working and studying," said a close friend, Christopher Iwuanyanwa.
Every September, Mr. Ajala visited Nigeria, and he was planning to travel there again this past September to visit his wife, Victoria, and their three children, Onyinyechi, 7, Uchechukwu, 5, and Ugochi, 1. His friends said he was planning to apply for visas to bring them to the United States.
"His dream was that he would take the law exam, pass it, and with that bring his family here and invite them to the swearing in," Mr. Iwuanyanwa said. "He would have been much happier if his wife and kids were around."
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Austin Obi
September 11, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. I will always remember you brother. Rest on Goddy.
A.Ajala
July 15, 2024
I was suprised to say the least when I visited the WTC in June 2024 ,to find someone who we share same last name inscribed at ground zero ,I decided to research about him and found wonderful testimonies of selflessness and heroic display,may your soul continue to rest in peace,you are not forgotten.
Michael L Miller
September 8, 2022
Rest in peace Godwin. Remembering you in 2022.
Austin Anadu
September 24, 2021
Rest on Godwin20 YEARS
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Katie Hendricks
September 10, 2021
I am honored to get this glimpse into your life and mourn the loss of an amazing person, working so hard to fulfill his American dream. My deepest condolences to your wife and children. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.
WOLE PRAISE
September 1, 2021
Gone but not forgotten. Continue to Rest in Peace
Cindy Roe
August 31, 2021
Remembering Godwin on the 20th anniversary of 9/11....
Renee S
September 11, 2019
Gone, but not forgotten. 9/11 hero.
Austin Ifeanyi Anadu
September 1, 2019
Continue to Rest In Peace my friend. Still hanging on to your call on the night of 9/10
Anna
August 29, 2019
In my religion class at school, I studied about Godwin. He was so heroic, living all the time for others, for his family, the victims from the towers, and his friends. Him giving of his life is the ultimate sacrifice and I am grateful that he, along with many others cared for many people that are still living today. I thank you and I am praying for you and your family. I am sorry for your loss. Anna
Louise Scalzo
April 4, 2017
Rest in Peace Godwin, God bless your family and friends.
Luke
September 19, 2016
I'm so sorry this happened to you, I read about you and the things that you did and they were heroic and I am praying for you and your family.
Dejo Olowu
September 11, 2016
My good old buddie, Godwin Ajala Ogbonnaya! Go well!!
Ifeanyi Anadu
September 11, 2015
Continue to rest in peace Godwin. Your last baby who was barely one whom you were so eager to go home (Nigeria) to see has turned 15.
You had called me a day before to wish me a happy birthday. And the next day 9/11, you were gone.
It is well.
Peggy Childers
September 11, 2014
To the family and friends of Godwin Ajala:
Godwin will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not allow those we lost on 9/11 be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you.
August 12, 2012
To the Ajala family,
May the wonderful memories of your loved one continue to provide solace for you; and may Almighty God provide you with the assurance that you will see your loved one again in Paradise. John 17:3; Psalm 83:18
Barbara Boam
October 6, 2011
Barbara Boam & Kim Rogers walked a mile for you (mile #33) on 10/6/11 as a dedication to your life.
Chris
September 11, 2011
Rest in peace! I love you my dear brother.
tony onu
September 11, 2011
he was my senoir and my friend in secondery school.A good man,always in couraging,playful,ambitous and very positive.He will always be with us and at rest.
Kymberli Colbourne
September 11, 2011
We hold you in our hearts.
Wole PRAISE
September 11, 2011
To the good ones we lost. Godwin continue to rest in the Lord.
September 7, 2011
Our community is doing a remembrance for 9/11 by having residents place a flag which represents the ones who lost their lives that day. I am proud to say that I placed a flag for Godwin Ajala. Janice Laws, Dividing Creek, NJ
Dapo Lawal
September 11, 2010
May your soul rest in peace. I hope you and others did not die in vain.
I also wish your family and others, the very best.
August 22, 2010
May you rest in peace.
Margaret Thompson
September 11, 2009
Today I have been listening to the memorial services that are being held throughout our country. The pain of your loss will not ever leave, but I pray you have been able to have God's comfort and peace that we cannot understand come into your life. Godwin must have been very special to many.
Austin Obi
September 11, 2009
It was sometime in early 2000 and I was the Manager at the Burger King right across from the Trade Center, when Godwin came in for lunch, he saw my name tag and introduced himself and from then on he would stop by every lunch. He was tall, imposing yet very warm, friendly and affable towards my staff and I. Everybody knew him. We would often talk about home, our families and our goals in America. He was a good Man. May You Rest in Perfect Peace, my friend
Daniel Osuagwu
September 11, 2008
He lived a modest life but worked hard to help his family. May you rest in perfect peace Goddy, may God be with your family.
Kemeshaya
March 5, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Doug Abraham
January 18, 2008
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Sheyee Aturu
September 11, 2007
After six years since your heroic death, I heard your name on TV as it was read. I said a prayer for the family you left behind, your death was not in vain.
aj
October 30, 2006
god bless
Kristine Furstenberg
October 11, 2006
As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vane. We will always remember.
September 15, 2006
May your family remember the wonderful times you shared during your brief stay on Earth.
JB
September 10, 2006
We will never forget. Our thoughts are with you, Godwin's family.
P Tabbernor
August 18, 2006
In memory....
Maria Lopez-Pinelli
September 11, 2003
Godwin - your name says it all. God will win. You stood up as a hero in the face of evil. How many lives did you touch, how many did you help. To your children - how blessed you are to have had a Daddy so wonderful. Remember his heart.
Christie
September 11, 2003
God Bless You and may Peace be with you on this day.
Angie & Tony Clement
September 11, 2003
God Bless you and may you rest in peace...
Ola
December 19, 2002
Godwin, may your perfect soul rest in peace (Amen)
John Brentin
October 11, 2002
Godwin,
To the very end you lived the kind of life that Jesus commanded us to and you left this world while in the service of others. There is a special place for you in heaven, Godwin, and I believe you are there this day. Pray for me and those you left behind that in leading a life of service to others as Jesus did, we may find our way to the Father.
Babatope Adanritaylor
September 15, 2002
The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh, he knows what is best and he will bless all those you left behind. As a Nigerian who moved here for a better life, I do feel what you went through but I cannot match your sacrifice, your death is not in vain, it is the price of freedom and I thank you and all that died for our freedom. As a military officer, I shall fight to defend the same freedom with passion. Rest in Peace good friend and look over your family.
Olukayode Ojo
September 12, 2002
May the Lord bless your family.
KC Camp
September 8, 2002
I received a remembrance band in church today with Godwin Ajala's name on it. Now I too, know someone who was lost at the WTC. I will be praying for Godwin this week. I will especially pray for his wife, Victoria; his children, Onyinyechi, Uchechukwu and Ugochi; his friends, Christopher Iwuanyanwa and Christopher Onuoha; and all those who loved him here and in his home of Nigeria. May they be supported and comforted by the love that still exists in the world, and know that others are holding them in their hearts.
Bene Knappe
August 1, 2002
Gott segne Dich...Dich und alle anderen Menschen die am 11 September starben.
Del Newberry
July 3, 2002
Godwin, As we prepare our July 4th ceremonies, we will remember YOU and all of the others lost on that horrible day. Our prayers will be with your family and friends.
Lisa Dedvukaj
April 15, 2002
I know how hard it is to live without your loved one. My brother is also missing and the hardest part is not knowing. I pray for you and your family. May you have the strength and courage to live and to always remember the joy your loved one has given you. God Bless You And Your Family.
J Wood
April 14, 2002
I, too, am wearing a mercy band in the memory of and honoring Godwin Ajala. Please know that I am praying for you, the family of Godwin, daily as I put on the mercy band in the morning. My heart and prayers go out to you.
Shana
April 5, 2002
God bless your family. you will always be remembered.
Ilena Godwin
March 31, 2002
To the Godwin Family,
I came across this name as I was searching the web. My heart aches for you. I know the depth of your loss. I lost my brother on 9-11 at the Pentagon. May God keep you in his grace, and may you some how find peace in this terrible loss.
Ilena godwin
Brooke Frierson
March 28, 2002
God Bless You..Peace and Love--Brooke
Funke Roberts-Quadri
March 13, 2002
i came across ur name & my heart goes out to ur wife children & the rest of the family you left behind. God has a purpose for everything & even though you are gone, God will be a husband to your wife & a father to your kids. adieu
Matthew Smith
March 2, 2002
I was part of the medical team that cared for Godwin when he arrived at NYU Downtown Hospital. There are so many things about 9/11 and the days that followed that I will never forget. I will never forget Godwin Ajala. That is the only thing I know to do to honor his memory and his sacrifice.
Kola Kalejaye, Esq.
February 6, 2002
My prayers are with you and the family left behind. Rest In Peace.
Mark Capper
February 2, 2002
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Godwin Ajala
Olujoke Akindemowo
January 22, 2002
I am saddened, as a nigerian, a lawyer, and wife and mother, at the loss to Mr Godwin Ajala's family. You pursued your dream, and at a time of extreme danger, had the greatness of heart to help others. May the Lord comfort and prove faithful in his care of your wife, children, and other family and friends tragically robbed by this loss.
Laura Reid
January 20, 2002
January 20, 2001
I too have come across your husband's name. My heart at this moment goes out to you and your children. Please know and tell your children that America is grateful for his sacrifice. He was helping others, what greater legacy can we leave behind. I trust God is strengthing your heart and meeting all your needs according to His lovingkindess and mercies. God bless you. Laura
Debbie
January 19, 2002
I am so sorry for your family. America has lost a good man and his family.
Abiola Adegboyega
January 16, 2002
Even though you were snatched away before your time, you never idled the span of years apportioned to you. My heart goes out to your family. Rest in perfect peace.
Marlin and Ronda
January 11, 2002
Godwin,
Thank you for the birthday card and the way you were with Jonathan. Thank you for showing me how decent and good people could be.
You were a good friend and one of the kindest people I'll ever know.
Teresa Jahn
January 10, 2002
We are very sorry for your loss of Godwin. May his life and love live on in you. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Linda Darnell
January 9, 2002
May God Bless you and your family. In your honor, I wear a mercy band relecting your name. I wear it daily so you may be remembered daily.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
IRENE STAPINSKI
December 1, 2001
MAY GOD BLESS GODWIN AJALA AND MAY
HE REST IN PEACE..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND GOD BLESS AMERICA FOREVER.WE WILL NEVER FORGE 9/11/01
Leslie Miller
October 9, 2001
Please know that you are not alone. I am so very sorry.
Leah LaFleur
October 8, 2001
Our thoughts are with you. You will be in our hearts FOREVER!!
Dione Sackman
October 6, 2001
I am very sorry for your loss.
Kathie Klos
September 28, 2001
May God bless you in this terrable time of sorrow.. rest assured all will be made right some day.
Olumide
September 26, 2001
Most likely from Nigeria,Im sure U finally have the perfect resting area with peace, came so far away But God is everywhere and he will guide and always b there with those u left behind.
maretta case
September 25, 2001
Bless You.
Rick
September 25, 2001
I just came across your name. I know that if you are not found by now you must be gone. I hope the people who loved you, your family, are all safe. I know they miss you. I hope that God is with you and the people you were forced to leave behind.
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