BY SOLA OGUINDIPE
TO whom much is given, much is desired, says the Holy Bible. A local adage also notes that when one shows gratitude for a good deed, one is likely to obtain an even better one.

These thoughts must have been going through the mind of Andrew Anyinbemah, who in 2000 suffered severe injury to his lower back, groin and abdomen as a result of a near-fatal road crash on his way back to his studies at the higher institution in Delta State.

*Andrew Anyinbemah, beeming with smiles

Successful healing

In a thank you letter to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, and Vanguard Media Ltd., Andrew, who recently returned to the country from overseas following his successful healing, recounted  his travails and the role played by  Governor Fashola who came to his rescue when he needed help most.

In November 2008 when Vanguard’s Good Health Weekly published Andrew’s story, he was bed ridden, unable to walk, sit or stand. He was totally helpless and had to be carried around like a baby.

His injuries to the waist, spine and groin areas rendered him completely paralysed. The future was bleak if he remained as he was and doctors had advised that the only saving grace for him was required series of surgeries to restore his health.

But Andrew, who was unable to complete his educational career in the university, no thanks to the road mishap, had no money to pay for the surgeries.

To be exact, Andrew didn’t have a dime to his name and for  years, languished in pain, misery and uncertainty until Vanguard ran the story about his plight.

Andrew had appealed to Nigerians for financial assistance to go to India for the much -required surgery, and the Governor took interest in Andrew’s plight and personally responded to the SOS call.

From his residence at 5, Musa Str, Shibiri, Ajangbadi, Lagos, Andrew tells his story all over again, but this time it is a story of gratitude.  “It all started when you took out time to read my (SOS) open letter sent to you through Vanguard Newspaper of  November 18, 2008.

That was the genesis of my salvation and turning around of my entire life. You presented a solid foundation on which I now stand. I do indeed, being amazed at what is happening to me now, as my photograph shows.

Presently, I’m stronger, after another generous Nigerian followed your path of generosity and paid for my treatment in an India hospital. I returned on September 17, 2011 to be précise.

“May I use this medium to express my profound appreciation for giving me a golden opportunity that meant life, peace of mind and happiness, all because you are Governor of Lagos state.

You are a man who cares for the less privileged. I want to thank you for your support, most especially for using Dr. S Aleshinloye, your personal physician, to overseen everything about me. He is a good man, and he does it very well.  “Your excellency, may I ask for more, like Oliver twist.  I want to be taught to fish than just being given fish.

I want to be self-independent. I’m willing to work. It means a lot and will improve everything around me.

Kindly consider my request because I don’t want to suffer again.Above all things, I sincerely appreciate all your generous gestures. May God almighty bless you and your family.”