‘I’m on orthodox and traditional medication’

Says, ‘I thought I could keep this to myself, God is helping me out’

Michael Onyebuchi Innocent popularly known in the music circle as Daddy Fresh has been down with a partial stroke for almost 30 months now. He recently called for help and that informed this chat with our reporter.

Excerpt..

By DESMOND EKWUEME, edited by Benjamin Njoku

We got to know about your health challenges from a video posted by a friend, Nelson Brown and we decided to do a follow up…

Thank you so much my brother. I am grateful.

So how are you doing?

As you can see or hear from my voice, I am doing well and I give God all the glory. I’m really improving. I am responding to medication by His grace.

So what’s the response so far from your fans and other members of the public concerning your appeal for help?

For personal reasons, I wouldn’t want to divulge that. It’s not my style. It’s not my way. Please kindly bear with me. I don’t really want to talk about this. Like I said in my video, I didn’t want the public to know about this. I kept it to myself. I am a very private and shy person. I thought I could manage the ailment and situation but it obviously was beyond me, hence I called for help. Ordinarily, I don’t like sharing my personal issues in the public domain. We all have ours individually so why bother others with yours? That’s my position. So you can understand why I said I don’t want to talk about funds or matters relating to them.

You mentioned a few friends who have come to your rescue and have been there for you. How has it been with them?

They have been marvelous. They’re God-sent. Only God can reward them and others who are stretching hands of fellowship towards me. It’s not been easy but with these people around me, God has been manifesting Himself. I cannot thank them enough.

Is the treatment of your ailment orthodox or traditional?

Both. I take them one at a time and strictly on prescription.

Are your treatments within Lagos or outside since you reside in Lagos?

It’s within Lagos.

Do you mind if we visit you to check on your state of health?

My brother is not now. Please kindly understand. I am on medication and some things for now are done privately. I followed advice from those handling my medication and I was asked to stay private and not entertain too much talking or stress or noise. At the right time, I will ask you to visit me. But for now we can talk on the phone. Feel free to call me. I really appreciate your concern and effort in helping me.

A word for your fans….

I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart for their support, messages, calls and prayers. They have been my backbone in these trying times. Each time an unexpected call or message comes through my phone, there’s this relief I get knowing that someone out there remembers me and wishes me well. Honestly, it is not all about money even though I must tell you that money is key to getting the best medication. Just, hello how are you doing, goes a long way to cushion the effect of deep and severe pain. I pray and trust God that this phase will come and go….and I will bounce back better. I have a lot to give to the upcoming artists and the present generation of musicians, many of whom look up to me. I pray God spared my life to ensure I continue giving back to society. My fans should continue praying for me. I need their prayers more than any other thing.

This is wishing you a speedy recovery…

God bless you richly. I am eternally grateful for your concern and call