By Emma Okereh
Founder of Daar Communications Plc, chief Raymond Dokpesi yesterday expressed optimism that the effective management of the covid-19 pandemic may provide the spring board and a catalyst to a better health delivery system in the country. In a statement he personally signed shortly after he and his two grand children were discharged from the isolation centre, he opined that a targeted and coordinated investment in the health system will yield the much needed reform in the health sector. In the statement titled “appreciation’ he commended Nigerians, former presidents the clergy, health workers and numerous others who prayed and assisted him while in isolation. He commended chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, Goodluck Jonathan and secretary to the government of the federation for sympathising with him during his isolation for coronavirus pandemic.
He commended both high and low Nigerians for their endless prayers, show of love and care through video and voice calls on several occasion to ascertain his wellbeing and that of other members of the family while the were at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada for the Isolation.
In statement issued by Dokpesi, he praised the minister of heath, Dr Osagie Ehanire the medical team and other members of the PresidentialTask Force Team (PTF) for their relentless efforts during his trying times.
Dokpesi explained that the period provide him and the family with an experience of the enormous challenge before them as citizens of the country.
The statement reads: “The past weeks have provided us with a first-hand experience of the enormous challenge before us as a country. We are better acquainted with the personal sacrifices many Nigerians are making to ensure that we collectively defeat this pandemic. This cuts across the policymakers, the care providers and even the cleaners whose job puts them at constant risk of exposure.
“I am exceptionally indebted to God Almighty for keeping and protecting me and my entire family all through our isolation at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada Isolation Centre.My gratitude goes to many Nigerians in the county and in the diaspora for their outpouring of concern and prayers”
Dokpesi however commended the Hon. Minister of Health Dr Osagie Ehanire, the Medical Team and other members of the PTF, the CMD UATH – Gwagwalada – Prof Bisallah Ekene, Head of Isolation Center – Dr Tahir, Rivers State Governor – His Excellency, Nyesom Wike and other serving & former State Governors too numerous to mention, Fmr President & Head of State, His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, Former President of The Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency. Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR.
Others he mentioned include General Ibrahim Babangida (Rtd), GCFR, Gen Abdusallami Abubakar (Rtd), former Vice President Alh. Atiku Abubakar, GCON, Elder Statesmen, Alh. Bamanga Tukur, CON, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Odili, Sen. Ken Nnamani, Chief Nnia Nwodo, Chief Bitrus Pogu, Sen. Francis Alimekhena, Sen Ben Obi, Chief Tom Ikimi, CON, General Aliyu Gusau (Rtd), Gen Akinrinade, Dr Auwalu Anwar, the D.G NBC, Fmr I.G of Police – Solomon Arase and members of the National Assembly.
He also listed PDP Chieftains and Party stalwarts across political divide, Chief Emeka Offor, Sen Ifeanyi Ararume, Chief Acho Ihenacho, King Sunny AdeChief Dr Olasupo Allibalogun, Fatai Bello-Omeiza, Oba Otudeko, Chief Akomolafe, Prince Folusho Phillips, Chief Shobanjo, Traditional Rulers across the federation and particularly The Okumagbe of Uwanno, Chief George Oshapii, the Arch Bishop of Abuja Diocese – Ignatius Kaigama, Bishop Mathew Kukah and all the catholic church clergy who offered masses for us, Islamic Scholars, Chief Tom Adaba, Mac Emokpore, Prof Anya Anya, Dr Abiye Sekibo, Sen Lee Maeba, Rt. Hon Austin Opara, Media Proprietors & practitioners, Management and Staff of DAAR Communications Plc., entire members of my family, friends and well-wishers.
