Heartfelt and robust prayers are currently being rallied and requested from across all religious divides by associates and relatives of Tayo Amusan, the billionaire chairman of Persianas Group, owners of the Palms Shopping Mall (Lekki, Ilorin, Enugu and Ibadan).
The polo-loving man-about-town has reportedly tested positive for the corona-virus pandemic and he is said to be on a ventilator. Sources say he is fighting the greatest battle ever to stay alive. His fears are founded. One of Nigeria’s most powerful men until recently, Abba Kyari, the former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari died from complications arising from coronavirus in April. Just yesterday, popular Lagos Senator, Bayo Osinowo, succumbed to the pandemic. He was 64.
Amusan celebrated his 60th birthday last year. Many of the deaths from the virus are suffered by people in their 60s and above especially those who have residual health conditions. It is not confirmed whether Amusan does but what is certain is that he is in the threshold of those who are susceptible to corona-virus deaths. This has thrown his relatives into disarray as they have been seeking and summoning prayer warriors to lead the spiritual charge to save him. The businessman does have plenty of reasons to stay alive.
A real estate tycoon, Amusan’s the Palms shopping malls introduced and firmly established the concept of retailing as a leisure destination within Nigeria when it built its flagship mall in Lekki in 2004. In reflecting the success of The Palms, Persianas has acquired the land adjacent to the original mall and is embarking on a bold expansion plan to create The Palms extension.
