FRIENDSHIP GRATITUDE: I Leaned On Their Shoulders

By John Mayaki / Posted December 20, 2024

Today marks exactly one year since the accident that changed my life. By this time last year, I was reeling in pain, and no number of painkillers could help. In some ways, it feels like it happened just yesterday; in others, it feels like an entirely different lifetime, probably because my life has taken a complete 180-degree turn in this past year.

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I have come to see my journey as two distinct eras: “before the accident” and “after the accident.” Drastic? Perhaps. But it’s the truth. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined how one night could alter so much. Surprisingly, I mean this in a positive way. The accident was more than just an event; it was a reckoning. It stripped away illusions of invincibility and reminded me of life’s fragile, fleeting nature.

To the driver with whom we had the head-on collision and to others who didn’t survive, may you rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord. God knows best, just as I will not live forever; it’s only a matter of time. To their families, I send my deepest prayers for strength and healing.

Pain, they say, is a teacher and so, through the accident, I learned that life is not measured in the years we live, but in the moments, we share, the connections we nurture, and the gratitude we express. It forced me to slow down, reconnect with my body, and reevaluate my priorities. I discovered that I wasn’t truly happy in my job, despite how often I told that lie to myself and others. This painful chapter guided me toward my passion and dreams. Today, I am planning my retirement.

Walking pain-free and normally again is something I no longer take for granted. There were dark days when I wasn’t sure I’d ever walk properly again. The physical pain, multiple surgeries, and complications tested my spirit to its limits. For nine long months, I limped, cried, and doubted. Depression gripped me tightly, and it took everything I had to climb out of that pit. But climb I did, and I didn’t do it alone.

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In my darkest hour, a band of angels came through for me; not celestial beings, but ordinary people whose extraordinary kindness gave me strength when I had none left. They provided their shoulders for me to lean on, and for that, I must thank them.

Hon. Engr. Abubakar Momoh, Minister of Regional Development, was a pillar of strength and support. From the very beginning, he ensured I lacked nothing during the most critical phases of the accident and my subsequent recovery. He went above and beyond, even instructing the incredible Hon. Romeo Omoike to monitor my progress and report back to him. True to his word, Romeo monitored my evacuation from Lokoja to the hospital in Abuja. He was relentless in his care; through calls, visits, and financial support. The Minister never turned his back, and I will forever be grateful, my Boss.

To Madam Victoria Amu, a woman of many parts, a skilled occupational therapist and dear friend, thank you for your unwavering support, selflessness, and kindness. Your expertise and encouragement guided me through some of my most challenging moments. All the supplies you sent, the visit and the care, they certainly won’t go in vain.

Barrister Osarodion Ogie, despite my frequent criticisms of the government you served, your kindness and generosity during my time of need revealed a side of you I deeply respect. You reached out when I least expected it, and for that, I am immensely grateful.

And then, I received a call from an unknown number saying his name was Asue Ighodalo. He said his perty’s chairman, Dr. Tony Azegbemi told him of the unfortunate incident and offered his sympathy. I remain grateful. Your magnanimity was nothing short of extraordinary. May God continue to elevate you and bless the work of your hands abundantly.

Prince Clem Agba, former Minister for Budget and National Planning, your assistance came as a ray of hope. Your consistent check on me to find out the level of healing was spectacular. His Excellency Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, former Deputy Governor of Edo State, your thoughtfulness humbled me. Despite my sharp critiques, you reached out with kindness and support. That speaks volumes about your character.

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, your compassion and consistent check-ins were therapeutic. Though we disagreed on issues; our political differences pale in comparison to the humanity you displayed. Your concern for my recovery was both reassuring and healing. For Hon. Pius Alile, I still wonder how you heard of my hospitalization, but your kindness is etched in my heart. May God replenish you abundantly.

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Hon. Ethan Uzamere, former Commissioner for Roads and Bridges, your behind – the – scenes generosity deserves acknowledgment. Barrister Jimoh Lawal, your visits and messages uplifted me, just like Dr. Lawrence Aghedo, who not only visited but prayed and counseled me for a very long time, in my darkest hours.

What will I say about the retired Inspector General of Police, Dr. Solomon Arase? A man full of compassion. May God bless you and your family for your immense contributions to my recovery. My former boss and Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Gbenga Omotosho, I remain eternally grateful to you. Despite your busy schedule, you found time to reach out. May the good Lord meet you at the point of your needs.

Hon. Chris Nehikhare, former Edo State Commissioner for Information, though I was a thorn in the administration you served, your actions proved that humanity supersedes politics. Special Adviser to the President on Media and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, how you heard of the accident is still a mystery, but you reached out regardless. For that, I am deeply grateful.

And for the king of boys, Hon. Aminu Imafidon, your care, both in Abuja when you visited and in Benin city during my alternative treatment visit, was overwhelming. My elder brother, Hon. Chief Bankole Balogun, Barrister Blessing Agbomere, Hon. Samuel Bello and many others, time will fail me to mention everyone by name, but know that your support was invaluable.

To the medical professionals at CedarCrest Hospital, where do I even begin? The doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and even the cleaning staff, you all played a vital role in my recovery. To the physiotherapists who pushed me to my limits with “annoying” exercises, thank you for helping me reclaim my strength, one stretch and squat at a time.

This past year has taught me that life’s challenges often come with hidden blessings. From being carried on a stretcher, wheelchair, crutches and to needing help just to get to the bathroom, to finally taking my first steps again, every milestone was a victory. Walking upstairs unaided, squatting for the first time, and walking without pain were triumphs I never thought I’d celebrate. The growth I’ve experienced both mentally, physically, and spiritually, has been transformative. I am now a proud farmer, nutritionist, and lover of nature, finding joy in a simpler, more meaningful life.

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Life is truly beautiful, no matter how hard it gets. As long as I can walk, breathe, and think, I am blessed. Again, may God bless everyone who came through for me during my time of need, providing the shoulders for me to lean on. Today, I stand one year stronger, one year wiser, and one year more grateful.

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Mayaki, a former Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, is highly sought-after Post-Digital Journalist, Diplomat, Leadership, Historian, Strategist and Media Communications Expert.