Author Onyeka Nwelue has shared the remarkable response he received from Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka when he disclosed that he needed N39 million for a knee surgery. According to Nwelue, he approached Soyinka and explained that he required knee surgery costing N39 million, but he only had about N10 million to pay the hospital.
Soyinka's Promise and Action
Nwelue said Soyinka promised to 'see what I can do' and later sent the entire balance to the hospital, covering the full cost of the surgery. Sharing the story on X, Nwelue wrote: 'When I told Professor Wole Soyinka that my knee surgery cost about 39 million and that I had about 10 million to pay the hospital, he said: “Let me get to Lagos this Friday and see what I can send.”'
'I sent him the bank details of the hospital. By Monday, he messaged me: “Receiving no notification from you, I asked my bank for confirmation that the money has been sent. Forwarding separately the affirmation documents from the bank in case you need to track the funds. Bank document attached in case you need to track the remittance. I just wish to ensure it's landed in the right place.”'
Confirmation and Gratitude
When Nwelue reached out to the hospital, they confirmed they had received the complete payment. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Nwelue asked, 'What could I have done without him?'
