Popular gospel musician and radio station proprietor, Dr Yinka Ayefele has been speaking about how God gave him inspiration to ‘resolve to live’ while he was on admission in one of Africa’s flagship tertiary health institutions, the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan.
The owner of FreshFM Nigeria, a broadcasting outfit with 10 terrestrial radio stations paid a visit to UCH as part of the programme marking the 10 anniversary of his media organisation.
Ayefele, who was warmly received by the Professor Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo-led management of UCH, was full of appreciation to all the health care professionals in the hospital who ensured he survived the ordeal of being on admission for about nine months in 1997.
Speaking further, Ayefele revealed: “I will never forget Dr Malomo. He encouraged me to live. He told me that despite my spinal cord injury that would make walking difficult for me, I should make up my mind to live.
“In addition, the bed-sore experience was absolutely traumatic. We had ‘turning time’. Later, I was told by my doctors that I might not be able to have sex. But God did His miracle. My brother that brought me to Ibadan, Femi Arigbede was a witness.
“I can say it here that I am almost a neurologist because of my ailment. I can confidently discuss my condition medically, my compressed nerves and other things.”
PMParrot can also report that the radio station owner then went ahead to speak about life on the wheel chair.
“Being on a wheel chair is not a disease. There are lots of people out there that are not restricted to the wheel chair but they have more complicated medical challenges.
“I won’t say I’m proud to be on a wheel chair, but I believe I will walk one day despite the fact that I am always in pains. But I will say here that my auto accident was a very huge turning point in my life to the Glory of God.”
Ayefele later announced a donation of five million naira to be shared, distributed and utilized in any way the management of UCH deemed fit.
“The five million naira is a gift to the management to utilize. What I will do for UCH is special. My immediate plan is to transform my ward, North West 1, to a modern, standard ward.”
In his response, UCH’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Otegbayo saluted Ayefele’s courage and belief in God.
His words, “I like your nature. There are so many folks with less severe injuries that have given up. You decided to live and here you are, waxing stronger.
“Here in UCH, we are proud to be associated with you and your broadcasting organisation. While some are always deriding UCH, yours have been supporting and promoting us and what we are doing as we deliver quality health care services.
“In summary, we attend to over 250,000 patients monthly and admit about 45,000. I will appeal to those in the habit of unnecessarily criticizing UCH to desist. They should seek clarifications to issues before publishing or going on air. We are more than prepared to always do our best.”
Ayefele, MON, had an auto accident in 1997 that transformed his life as a ‘studio rat’ producer to a world-class musician after he released his debut album, ‘Bitter Experience’ in 1998. He has since produced several chat-bursting musical offerings.
Packaged by Olayinka Agboola
