| My close shave with
death –Stephanie Okereke
By Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Thursday, June 2, 2005
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Stephanie Okereke
Photos: Sun News Publishing
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Months after she was involved in a fatal auto crash, star
actress and nominee for Africa Movie Academy Award’s
best actress of the year, Stephanie Okereke, says it was by
God’s intervention that she is alive.
Speaking with Daily Sun in a private hospital in Port Harcourt,
where she is recuperating, Okereke narrated her close shave
with death when the car she was travelling in had an accident
and burst into flames. She believes God wanted to use the
accident to draw her closer to Him.
Premonition
Peace- Anyiam Fiberesima had assured us that we would have
a nice time in Yenagoa. And because I was nominated for the
best actress award, I wanted to be there. Though I was shooting
a film in Owerri and initially had difficulties in securing
permission to travel, I was eager to make the trip.
However, I had misgivings about going to Yenagoa. One minute,
I would be interested in going, the next minute I would cancel
it. Usually, when I am not certain about something I don’t
move or go anywhere. But I broke that rule in this trip.
The accident
We were moving smoothly when suddenly a tanker with a failed
brake hit another car which swerved across the road and hit
the car that was conveying me. The car went up in flames and
there was fire everywhere. I managed to get out of the car
and attempted to run but discovered that my leg was broken.
I started screaming before people came to my aid and moved
me to the other side of the road.
The accident was like a movie to me. I thought I would wake
up and see that it was a film. But I realized that it was
real. This prompted me to ask God if this was the end.
But God told me it was the beginning. This was when I had
the strength. While writhing in pain a news headline, like
"Stephanie Okereke in ghastly motor accident," flew
across my mind. I then screamed that I should be taken to
the hospital. People at the scene of the accident recognized
me, but they watched helplessly until those I called the three
good Samaritans brought me to Port Harcourt.
At the hospital, I asked if my leg was going to be amputated.
But God assured me that all was well, which gave me the encouragement
that I would face whatever situation that was on the way.
Immediately I saw the reaction of doctors, I knew I would
survive it.
Lessons of survival
I was not even thinking of my acting career. I was thinking
of how to survive. What occupied my mind after the accident
was to get to the hospital. I did not even ask God why it
happened, because instantly I realized that anything could
happen to anybody. There is no exception, no matter how highly
placed you are, and we all face the same risks. I realized
that God was with me and probably he was trying to tell me
something. Maybe I had been neglecting him.
The accident has drawn me closer to God. I have learnt to
take life easy and not to be too much in a hurry.
My survival was not because I am an actress it was God’s
favour.
Goodwill
I am actually touched that people could respond to me this
way. The number of people that have visited my bedside is
enormous. I don’t even know which word to use to express
my appreciation.
The people I was shooting film with came the night of the
accident and told me that they would suspend production until
I am well. I was touched that in Nigeria a producer can do
that.
School children came here to see me. Workers and bankers came.
Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha was also here. The other
day, Pastor Chris Okotie called to know my state of health.
Career
I am not making money lying down on this bed. Therefore, I
want to go back to work. But I am eager to get well. Unfortunately,
the injury on my leg has to do with bone and it would take
a while to heal. I want to take my time so that I don’t
come back here. When I am fully recovered I will return to
my career.
Message to fans
I want to tell them that I love them so much. They have been
wonderful. But they should not be crying or mourning because
of what some people have said. I just want to thank them for
their prayers. I promise to be back soon.
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