One of Peter Rufai’s daughters, Confidence, has come out to explain why her father’s illness was kept private.
She recently revealed that the decision reflected his strong love for a quiet life.
Speaking during a “Night of Tributes” organised by Segun Odegbami and sponsored by Air Peace’s Chairman, Allen Onyema, to honour Rufai and three other Nigerian sports legends, Confidence said that Peter Rufai never wanted any publicity about his condition.
Addressing those who feel/felt hurt by the fact that his sickness was kept from the public, she maintained that the legendary goalkeeper always fancied a quiet and reserved life.
Confidence stated that even in hardship, her father preferred to retain his dignity and avoid seeking public sympathy.
“To those who felt hurt by the secrecy, I apologise. My dad loved privacy. He truly enjoyed a quiet, reserved life.
He didn’t want publicity about his condition. He would rather pass on peacefully than remain in the public eye because of illness.
Honestly, he valued his dignity. He never sought public sympathy. Even in hardship, he preferred to remain silent and composed.
My dad never bragged or sought attention. His sense of self-respect was deep. I see that trait reflected in myself,” she said.
She further described late Rufai as a selfless Nigerian who gave everything to serve his country.
Confidence concluded by saying that Peter Rufai was not just a father to his family, he was a father to many others.
“When describing someone exceptional, words often fall short. Nigerians will judge him based on what they feel he earned.
For me, describing my dad goes beyond words. He was a father figure not only to us but to many others.
He often reminded us that his duty extended beyond family. He felt responsible for those less privileged than us.
I cannot put a value on how Nigeria can honour him. His dedication to the country was beyond compensation,” she added.
