Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, an Ophthalmology Registrar at the National Eye Centre, has expressed profound appreciation to President Ahmed Tinubu, The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and Nigerians for their unwavering support and prayers following her harrowing kidnapping ordeal.
Two weeks after her rescue, Dr. Popoola reached out to the public to convey her deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and solidarity.
Dr. Popoola’s heartfelt message comes as she continues to recover from her traumatic experience.
According to her,”I am writing this note on behalf of myself and my loved ones, with a heart full of gratitude to God Almighty, and to each of you for the incredible support I have received over the past ten months.
“As many of you know, the journey has been unimaginably difficult, but it has also been a testament to resilience, faith, hope, and collective action. My recovery, still ongoing both physical and emotionalwould not have been possible without the overwhelming compassion, commitment, and concerns from so many individuals and organizations.
“First and foremost, I give thanks to God Almighty for His mercy, grace, and protection throughout this entire ordeal. I have witnessed His supreme power and abiding presence in ways I cannot fully explain, and it is by His will that I am free today, able to express my deepest gratitude.
“Accordingly, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the following:
“The President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for your leadership and decisive action in ensuring the safety and freedom of all citizens. Your intervention brought hope when all seemed lost, and for that, I am truly thankful.
“The National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Military & Other Security Forces, whose courage, tireless efforts, and professionalism were crucial in securing my release. I will forever be indebted to the Office of the National Security Adviser – your coordination and consideration for our safety culminated in our successful rescue. I appreciate every strata and apparatus of security forces our nation for the sacrifices and genuine commitment to the protection of the lives of Nigerians.
“The Nigerian Governors’ Forum and especially the Governors of Kaduna, Lagos, and Oyo States – for your personal attention and unwavering commitment throughout the difficult time. Your leadership and sacrifices have meant the world to me and my family, and I will always be grateful for your compassion.
“The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) for leading in public advocacy and providing critical support during this time. Your united voice brought national attention to my situation, and your unwavering commitment to the cause of my freedom has been an inspiration. Thank you for standing with us and for ensuring my family and I were not alone in this struggle.
“The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), for your steadfast solidarity and advocacy on behalf of my family and me. Your vocal support in public action, as well as your tireless efforts to ensure my safe return, made a significant difference. You stood alongside us with great determination, and I will always appreciate your commitment to justice, personal liberty, sanctity of workplace, and the protection of our fellow citizens.
” The Management and Staff of the National Eye Centre, Kaduna, for providing much-needed encouragement, emotional support, and solace to my family during this challenging period. Your words of comfort and your efforts to ensure that my loved ones were not alone in this struggle gave us strength when we needed it most. I will forever be grateful for the warmth and solidarity you offered.
” To the Religious and Traditional Institutions, for your fervent prayers and relentless advocacy, you gave hope and quantum leap to my spirit, even in great danger. Thank you for being conscience of our nation. I thank the *Aseyin* in particular and the entire Iseyin indigenes for the prayers and mobilisation.
“To my family, colleagues, and friends*, your strength, love, and prayers sustained me through this unimaginable experience. I cannot thank you enough for being my unwavering support system, for lifting me up with every word of encouragement, every prayer, and every act of kindness.
” To the Nigerian public, your solidarity has been a source of strength and comfort. From your heartfelt prayers to the collective advocacy for my safe return, you have shown me the power of unity and compassion in the face of adversity.
“To all of you, I owe a debt of gratitude that words can not fully capture. Your actions, your love, and your belief in me have made all the difference. And, once again, I thank God Almighty for bringing me through this ordeal and for surrounding me with such incredible people.
“Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I am truly blessed to have each of you in my life, and I look forward to continuing this journey of healing and renewal with your continued support, love, and prayers.”
