The Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, revealed last night how she survived cancer 15 years ago, affirming the scare is not the end of life

She spoke at the service of songs for the late Special Adviser to the President on Research and Documentation Oronto Douglas held in Abuja.

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.”

She recalled how she used to encouraged the deceased to see the challenge as a surmountable one with strong faith.

The service was attended by a cross section of the society from civil society, government, the media, the clergy among others.

President Goodluck Jonathan was represented by Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF), at the service which remarkably brought together his associates from both sides of the political divide including former Governor Kayode Fayemi, Pastor Tunde Bakare who brought greetings from General Muhammadu Buhari, ministers, former chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Senator-Elect Ben Murray Bruce, Deputy Managing Director of Thisday, Mr. Kayode Komolafe among several others.

Tributes from several speakers centered on how Oronto built bridges across political divides. Dr. Fayemi, Hon Uche Onyeogocha leading members of the All Progressives Congress, APC spoke in that direction and they were buttressed by Pastor Bakare.

Tributes also came from former Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha of Bayelsa State, Dr. Sam Amadi, chairman National Electricity Regulatory Commission, Rev. Nnimmo Bassey, Yinka Odumakin, Ken Saro Wiwa among others.

•Adapted from Vanguard. Photo shows Okonjo-Iweala.