Cancer! Utomi Speaks Up Over His Health Condition
In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples through the nation, renowned Professor of Political Economy and Labour Party stalwart, Pat Utomi, broke the news of his ongoing battle with cancer.
This disclosure, made through a series of heartfelt tweets on Friday, has drawn widespread attention and empathy from various quarters of the society.
Prof. Utomi, whose insights have always shed light on complex economic matters, shed light on a deeply personal struggle this time. Diagnosed in 2022 following a biopsy, the professor refrained from detailing the exact nature of the cancer he faces, but his openness about his personal journey stands as a testament to his resilience and willingness to break societal taboos.
It’s hard to imagine that amidst the hustling whirlwind of the 2023 election campaigns, Utomi maintained a strenuous balance. Post-campaign sessions found him frequently visiting a cancer centre located in Ikeja. These were not publicized visits, nor were they common knowledge even amongst his close circle.
The professor’s candidness, though shocking, shines a spotlight on an alarming trend. In his words: “Did not see why it was taboo to say you were in a battle with Cancer.
“The more I talked about it, the more I found many of my age in similar circumstances.” This statement isn’t just an individual’s experience but resonates with the larger, often unspoken, concern that Nigerian men over 60 face. Could it be that the nation is grappling with a silent epidemic?
What’s more striking about Prof. Utomi’s revelation is his emphasis on the significance of early detection. By keeping such battles shrouded in secrecy, many miss out on the benefits and potential life-saving outcomes that early detection can bring.
Post the hectic election season, Utomi narrated how a collective of his nephews, cousins, and medical professionals from Europe and the US rallied around him. This family brigade was concerned about the professor’s well-being and took matters into their own hands.
“Once elections were over,” Utomi shared, “my young nephews and cousins, Doctors in Europe and the US, joined forces with the Lakeshore people and decided they wanted me in their direct care.”
This international brigade of familial support went to lengths to ensure that Prof. Utomi received optimum care, even to the extent of controlling his phone access to minimize stress, further highlighting the seriousness of his condition.
For those unfamiliar, Prof. Pat Utomi isn’t just a professor; he’s an influential figure in Nigerian politics. As one of the pillars of the Labour Party (LP), his contributions were instrumental in shaping the party’s 2023 presidential campaigns.
This breaking news brings to the fore a poignant reality: while public figures often seem invincible, their personal struggles can be as challenging as anyone else’s. Prof. Utomi’s candid disclosure stands as a stark reminder of the transient nature of life but also highlights the courage it takes to share such a journey openly.
Our thoughts are with the professor and countless others in similar battles. As the nation digests this revelation, one can only hope it sparks more conversations around early detection and robust healthcare for all.