Toyin Aimakhu and Mayowa
Mayowa Ahmed's Saga: My Story
In view of the recent happenings around Mayowa Ahmed's ill health
and the many allegations of fraud surrounding the funds raised, it has
become imperative that I come clean by stating my side of the story and
by implications, set the record straight.
When I got wind of Mayowa’s sickness, I was moved to tears and
immediately sought to know how I could help, hence my on-the-spot video
which went viral as my genuine intervention.
Indeed, I was overwhelmed by the quick response of well-meaning Nigerians to whom I will forever owe a debt of gratitude.
But all this changed yesterday, Thursday 28th, July, when I went to
the hospital in the morning to check as well as follow up on Mayowa.
Her brother had told everyone to leave them alone because they wanted
privacy. Although I was shocked at the sudden change in attitude,
especially the tone of communication, I still did not suspect anything
was amiss.
However, on my way out, I received a call from one Aramide Kasumu
of Life Stake Foundation, who would later claim the whole Mayowa Ahmed
fund raiser was a scam. Importantly, she wanted to know the extent of my
involvement and in her words, “so that when they are giving their
reports, I would not be roped into it”.
She went further to state that the family deceived everyone in the
first place by raising funds for Mayowa despite the fact that her case
was helpless and the hopes of her survival was near impossible. She
seemed to know so much, I reckoned.
Upon hearing this, I was appalled and in a bid to clear my name, I
went back to the hospital in palpable anger and demanded explanations
from all concerned. Perhaps, I overreacted when I went into a rage of
anger over the matter with the CSO. I then alerted the Police PRO, who
invited the parties involved to the police command.
I want to state for the record that I have never been a fraud and
will never partake in one, not even at this stage of my career (which I
hold to heart). All my efforts were strictly on humanitarian grounds
without recourse to any pecuniary consideration or the resort to cheap
fame.
That said, whatever discomfort my reactions may have cost
anyone from any quarters is highly regretted and I take responsibility.
Whilst I wish Mayowa a quick recovery and divine intervention, I
want to urge us as a people to continue to exhibit that enviable
Nigerian spirit of compassion and generosity and not because of this
isolated case cease to be our sister/brother's keeper.
I love you all and thank you.
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