Minister of Finance and co-ordinating minister for the economy finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on Thursday, April 30, 2015 revealed that she was diagnosed with cancer some years back.
She further disclosed how she underwent a surgery for the deadly ailment some 15 years ago.
The minister made the the shocking revelation at This Day Dome, Abuja during the Service of Songs for Late Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Research and Documentation, Oronto Douglas.
She explained that she used to encourage the deceased statesman with her own experience while he battled with the sickness which finally led to his death.
Okonjo-Iweala said, “Oronto and I had two similarities in life, we both had cancer. I had my last surgery 15 years ago and I shared my experience with him.”
“I underwent treatment for three years. I had surgery, did chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I was declared cancer-free. I am a cancer survivor.
“I told Oronto to fight for his life. Despite the cancer, he continued to work hard. That is the part of him I want to remember, not the weight loss.”
Douglas who was aged 48 years old, passed away at State House Clinic in the early hours of on Thursday, April 9, 2015.
