Fashola Saved Me From Untimely Death

Recuperating former Coach of Nigeria’s U-23 Eagles that won soccer gold at Atlanta ’96 Olympic Games, Willy Bazuaye is gradually regaining his fitness. Before he received special medical attention, which was sponsored by the Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State, Bazuaye was bed-ridden for years having suffered stroke that partially paralysed him since 2003. Speaking to TAIWO ADELU at his residence located at Upper Mission area of Benin City, Edo State last weekend, Bazuaye, who could not stand up when P.M.Sports visited him last year, was seen walking unaided to attend to visitors, recounted how Fashola came to his rescue during his travails

Coach, good to see you again, how is your health?

I’m grateful to God for his wonderful work in my life and I believe He is still working on my situation. God is using the good people of Nigeria to help me and I must give special thanks to Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos state for coming to my aid when I needed help most. Fashola has done what Napoleon could not do for me. I hold my being alive today to the Grace of God and the humanitarian gesture of Fashola, who came to my aid at a point I thought all hope was lost. It was your newspaper, P.M.NEWS, that started the process that saved my life. Immediately P.M.NEWS published the story of my predicament last year, the Governor read it and called to confirm if I was truely down. He then ordered that I should relocate to Lagos, where I was given a first class medical treatment at a hospital in Victoria Island. My family and I will forever thank Fashola for this huge favour. I could have been dead by now if not for the assistance I received from Governor Fashola. After the treatment, he also gave me recuperating equipment that has been helping my fitness. Fashola has done a lot for Nigerian sportsmen and and women and I think he deserves to be the President of this great nation, Nigeria someday. Lagos State has done what my state, Edo state cannot do for me.

Did you contact the government of Edo State for help?

Yes I did. I recall that I got in touch with Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who was interested in my case. He told one of his personal assistants to liaise with me about how the government could come to my aid. But the man in charge failed to carry out the governor’s directive. I could not understand that a whole governor of a state would give such directive and his officials will fail to carry it out. That was what happened in Edo State. But, the case was different in when the great Lagosian came to rescue me. Fashola personally assigned the Chief of Staff, Mr. Lanre Babalola to take charge of my case. Babalola took care of me. He used to get constant report from the doctor who was treating me. I was given a first class treatment in the hospital. It is wonderful that we have a governor like Fashola, who cares about the welfare of his people at all time. He is a great man and I thank God for him and his family. The good people of Lagos State are lucky to have him as governor and I believe his re-election will bring in more good things to the state.

What assistance did you get from Ultima Limited and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire in Lagos?

I don’t know how to put it, but I am sure this is not a dream, and if it is a dream I never had it. This is surprising you know! A gentleman that identified himself simply as Olu Akinlabi, who had phoned me earlier just walked into my house in Benin City to invite me for ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire,’ the TV show produced by Ultima Limited and sponsored by MTN. He told me how my transport and accommodation would be handled by the organisers and the winnings and other rewards that would follow.

How did it Happened?

To the glory of God, I won a N1million in the programme that day with the assistance of Alhaji Idi Farouk, D.G. of the National Orientation Agency and Ben Ogbeiwi of Project Fame, who played for me. At the end of the programme, I also also given an additional gift of 5.5 KVA power generating set from MTN. I thank Ultima and MTN for this kind gesture and I will forever remain grateful to them.

You happiest moment in life?

I think my happiest moment was the day Governor Fashola came to help me. I never thought the assistance would come from a governor like Fashola, who I personally did not know.

What about your saddest moment?

That day still came like a dream. It was the day former governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion refused to recognised my presence when I went to him for assistance. That was when he was still office. It was so disappointing that Igbinedion, who I used to present with pack of jerseys and football kits whenever he came to the stadium to watch my matches could turn his back on me when I needed him the most. Whenever he came to the stadium, he used to seat beside me, chatting while the game lasted. He deliberately dodged me when I visited the Government’s House on appointment. I felt so sad.

Anyway, I hold nothing against him. His action only showed that human beings are not predictable. It’s only God Who can help someone in need of help.