The Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Mr Babafemi Ojudu, said on Saturday that he almost lost his life when he became infected with COVID-19.

Ojudu, a former Senator from Ekiti State, explained that he took the COVID-19 pandemic seriously from the outset and that he took the test monthly, until he was confirmed positive on December 23, 2020.

Describing how he felt when he was confirmed positive, Ojudu said, “It was like a sledgehammer struck my head. I felt numb.”

In a piece, titled ‘My journey to COVIDOM’ posted on his LinkedIn page on Saturday, Ojudu said he had had two near-death experiences within three years, adding that his prayer for people who have doubts that COVID-19 is real is that they should never be infected.

He wrote, “Wracking headache, insomnia, loneliness, restlessness, hallucinations, lack of appetite, sore mouth and throat, difficulty with breathing, aches and pains in my joints became my lot as I ingested the prescribed drugs.

“COVID got me but God and science brought me back. My friends and family made sure I may be isolated but I wasn’t alone. The doctors performed miracles.

“Twice within three years I knocked at the gate of death. In 2009, it was a helicopter crash I survived from. These are pointers that I still have more years in Mother Earth and appreciation to my creator. I am therefore rededicating myself to serving humanity.

“I was lucky, many others were not, as I was daily confronted with stories of the dead both known and unknown to me. My prayer for our people who still believe COVID-19 does not exist is, may you never be admitted into ‘COVIDOM’. If you don’t even care about your life, care about your neighbours and family.”

Ojudu advised people to stay away from large gatherings, including weddings and funerals.

He added, “The great John Jerry Rawlings of Ghana died two weeks after the funeral of his mum. A Nigerian army general died too shortly after his mother’s funeral. Several colleagues who attended a conference with him shortly before his death got infected. Such ceremonies are super spreaders. These were men whose talents and genius are still needed here.

“I have just read about an accomplished Texas-based surgeon who visited home for Christmas, hosted a party and returned to base to die. Brides, grooms and relatives have died shortly after parties. I learnt of four professors who attended a wedding in Lagos. Two are dead and the others are still in intensive care.”

He advised that people should be reasonable and not endanger others. “Wear your mask, wash your hands, keep a reasonable distance, stay alive and healthy and submit yourself for vaccination when available,” he added. “The road ahead is rough; let us have truly happy new year by taking the utmost care. COVID is real.”