Godwin Ajala: A Nigerian Hero’s Legacy at the World Trade Centre and a Family’s Battle for Justice
A Dreamer’s Journey to the U.S. for the New York Bar Exam Godwin Ajala was a man of ambition and sacrifice, born on June 9, 1968, in Ihenta, a small town in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Growing up in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War, Ajala became a lawyer in his homeland, supporting his wife, Victoria, and their three young children—Onyinyechi (7), Uchechukwu (5), and Ugochi (1). In 1995, driven by the dream of a better life, Ajala immigrated to the United States, leaving his family behind in Ihenta. His goal was clear: pass the New York State Bar Exam, establish a legal practice, and eventually bring his family to join him. Life in the U.S., however, was far from easy. Unable to afford law school, Ajala took specialised prep courses for the bar exam while working low-wage jobs. He eventually landed a role as a security guard at the World Trade Centre, working the 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. shift. After work, he’d nap briefly before studying for six to eight hours daily, determined to achieve h...
