They thought I was dead – Ex-Corps member infected with Lassa fever

A 2019 Batch ‘A’ corps member, infected with Lassa fever, Olayinka Emmanuel, on Thursday, rolled out drums of joy during his passing out ceremony in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

Olayinka was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, a month ago by his colleagues, where he received first aid treatment before he was referred to the Emergency Unit of the Specialist Hospital, Irrua, in Edo State.

There were reports that his health had deteriorated but Emmanuel appeared in his fully-kitted NYSC outfit at the Cenotaph on Thursday, saying, “Here I am, I am alive. I give all thanks to God for keeping me alive, even though rumour spread that I was dead. All glory to God that now I am better and in perfect health.

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“I want to thank the state NYSC Coordinator, the CMD of FMC Asaba, the CMD of Irrua Specialist Hospital and my fellow corps members who rushed me immediately to FMC. Now, I am passing out in good health.”

In her address, the state coordinator, Olutayo Samuel, who glorified God for Yinka and his 3,011 colleagues, lamented that a total number of 52 corps members, who were found wanting during the service year in the discharge of their duties, will face sanctions.

“They will have their service year extended by a period ranging from two weeks to five months while others whose cases have hit the abscondment mark have been forwarded to our National Director Headquarters Abuja for ratification towards a repeat of the service year to serve as a deterrent to other serving corps members,” Olutoye said.