November 24, 2015 – Renowned activist and Chairman of the June 12 Coalition of Democratic Formations, Mr Alfred Ilenre is full of praises for Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode for his timely intervention to save his life.
Ilenre who was at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa Secretariat, said he deemed it fit to come and pay gratitude to the Governor for extending a helping hand to him, which has helped him recover and get back on his feet.
He said the Governor had taken notice of his health condition during the commemoration of this year’s June 12 1993 Presidential Election at the Blue Roof, Lagos Television, when he had to be helped up the stage while his goodwill message was read by someone else.
“When it was time to read my goodwill message, as I stood up, my legs started wobbling and I just blacked out. It was noticed, but we quickly beckoned on one of our very resourceful activist, a lady called Titilope Akosa, who is a member of the June 12 Coalition. She read my statement eloquently and then we outlined our tablet of issues that the government should look into”, he said.
He said three days after the event he received a call from a doctor informing him that the Governor had directed that his health condition be monitored, followed up and the appropriate steps taken.
“I was marveled. For an Executive Governor of a very busy state like this to have time to look into such issues that certain people will look upon as very minor. The following day, I was given a letter to go to Diagnostic Centre and they did about 12 investigations all over my body including the kidney, heart and then sent the result to the doctor”, he recounted.
The investigations according to him, revealed a disorder in his left lung, which he said was as a result of a fatal accident he had sustained in Ghana in 1998 during the NADECO crisis, which was life threatening.
“Now, here is the Governor, coming down from his position to say that my health should be looked after. It’s a token, but I appreciate it greatly”.
He said he was taken to a Chinese Hospital in Ghana where extensive treatment was carried out.
“They gave me prolonged treatment. I spent six weeks there. Now I feel better than what I used to be. If it was in those days, I would not be able to speak for more than 10 minutes. I may not be as eloquent as I used to be when I was in my 30’s and 40’s, I will be 76 by January next year and that means a lot”.
He said his surprise was that prior to the June 12 event, he had not had any close contact with the Governor that would have warranted him taking interest in his health.
“I had not known him closely before, BUT he did a very resourceful job in the public service in Lagos state and many people speak well of what he did. They said he is a detailed man who takes note of details”.
“I don’t think it was because of personal relationship, because the June 12 event was only the second time he saw me. I think it was basically that he is a thorough person that looks into minor details of what happens around him. That is the basis on which I thank him, owe him gratitude”, he said.
