Founder of Daar Communications Plc, Raymond Dokpesi, has been discharged from University of Abuja Treatment Centre after testing negative to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Dokpesi, in a letter of appreciation, expressed gratitude to God for seeing his family through the trying period.
According to him, “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.”
He explained that the past two weeks at the centre provided him with the first-hand experience of the enormous challenge before Nigeria 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,” he said.
He appreciated Nigerians all over the world for their outpouring of concern and prayers, including eminent personalities who reached out with messages of support.
“A special mention must be made of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, and Chairman PTF, who not only sympathised with me and my family but also personally made both video and voice call on several occasion to ascertain our well-being.
“My appreciation goes to the Hon. Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, the Medical Team and other members of the PTF, the CMD UATH in Gwagwalada, Prof. Bisallah Ekene, Head of Isolation Centre, Dr Tahir, Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Nyesom Wike, and other serving and former state governors too numerous to mention, former President and Head of State, His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, former President of The Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR, former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), GCFR, Gen Abdusallami Abubakar (rtd), and former Vice President, Alhaji 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, former I.G of Police, Solomon Arase and members of the National Assembly,” he added.
Other persons mentioned include: “Chief Emeka Offor, Sen Ifeanyi Ararume, Chief Acho Ihenacho, King Sunny Ade, Chief Dr Olasupo Allibalogun, Fatai Bello-Omeiza, Oba Otudeko, Chief Akomolafe, Prince Folusho Phillips and Chief Shobanjo.
Also appreciated are the 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.
Dokpesi also thanked the Islamic scholars, Chief Tom Adaba, Mac Emokpore, Prof Anya Anya, Dr Abiye Sekibo, Sen. Lee Maeba, Rt. Hon Austin Opara, media proprietors and practitioners, management and members of DAAR Communications Plc., entire members of my family, friends and well-wishers.”
Dokpesi believed that with well thought out policies, coupled with targeted and highly coordinated investment in the health system, Nigeria’s fight against COVID-19 may become the catalyst for the much-needed reform in the health sector.
Dokpesi was discharged with two of his grandchildren. The final recovery test result of other family members are being expected.
Reacting to the development, Atiku said: “I rejoice with the Dokpesi family and AIT over the discharge of High Chief Raymond Dokpesi and members of his family following a successful recovery from COVID-19.
“It is my prayer that Chief Raymond Dokpesi Jnr and others undergoing treatment will be released soon.”
