Top Lagos socialite, Chief Goddy Anabor, has been off the social radar for long. Anabor has his convincing reasons which he reeled out when our Contributing Editor, IFECHI OKOH, bumped into him somewhere recently in Lagos. During our tete a tete, he touched on all areas people may not have envisaged. Excerpts:

Why have you been off the social radar for so long, please?

The problem started when my former wife, a Director of Gordon Press and Securities suddenly began to collaborate with some of my senior staff to swindle me, by selling off printing machine parts and some other company properties without my knowledge. Such fraud went on secretly for years, ruining the company fast before I could know it. All the good monies in terms of billions which I banked with the Equity bank vanished for the fun of it. When I knew, it was pretty late. That was how we started experiencing unpaid salaries which eventually led to the closure of both companies. There were nothing they didn’t sell, including unsold magazines. It was simply incredible! I swear!!

How have you been surviving till now?

My survival has truly been through the undying love of God and His grace. My children’s assistance actually came handy at this point in time. Among them are lawyers, doctors and other professionals who really took care of me as a father who has done well for them. It was simply a kind of payback time for all of them. Apart from that, God has been showing me endless love in His own special way. Honestly! Could you believe that the friends that I knew and enjoyed with, pretended that they don’t know me again? But interestingly, I was not bothered because I know that it would happen. So what would be the surprise? Oh yeah!

So what hard lesson of life have you learnt from such callousness?

I strongly believe that once there’s life, there’s hope, inevitably. I know this very well and also believe in that philosophy. Although, some persons who may have found themselves in such pitiable situation, may have died as a result. But, I am fully convinced that my own won't be like that in Jesus name. Amen!

How do you hope to bounce back?

The name has already been made. I know some genuine persons, they too, know me. There is an obvious base! I hope to cash on this to help myself, if the chance provides itself.

Can we talk of your exploits as a billionaire?

Good! I remembered vividly that I have touched lives as a billionaire. Then, I used my close influence to various countries’ ambassadors to get uncountable numbers of needy Nigerians visas. Some were even lucky to be granted multiple visas which actually changed their narratives till date. Once I do anything for anybody, I forget and move on because that’s how life should be. Now look at the situation today. Imagine!

How is your social life today?

Social life today? Well, no more as vibrant as it used to be. I have given it up now and this too, should reflect in my thoughts and values in life and living. Once upon a time, I was into the SSP business. But now, no more. Although, if SSP, Paso, Ayuba and some other top musicians see me today, they will acknowledge me just for old time sake. Finish!

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