Journalist Offsets Colleague’s N2.9m Hospital Bill

A journalist, Mr Sola Adebayo, has paid the N2.9 million hospital bill of a colleague, Dave Okpogadie, battling cancer in Delta State.

Adebayo initially paid N400,000 for cancer treatment/surgery at the Asaba Specialist Hospital, Asaba and another N2.5 million for post-treatment at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu for chemotherapy.

The gesture came against the backdrop of an appeal by the Welfare Committee set up by the Nigeria Union of journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, to solicit assistance for members in need.

According to the Welfare Committee chairman and the secretary, Comrades Ruth Omigie and Amaechi Okwara, a member of the NUJ Delta State Council, Dave Okpogadie of the Asaba Correspondents Chapel, needs urgent financial assistance for post-treatment which he commenced immediately after the surgery.

“Distinguished Colleagues, above is the present state of Dave Okpogadie, he still needs financial assistance as it stands now. He goes to UNTH, Enugu for Chemotherapy every two weeks. In some cases, he doesn’t meet up for lack of money. Most cases, this chemotherapy that consumes a lot of money goes with some pints of blood.

“Each trip to UNTH, Enugu for chemotherapy costs about N250,000. Again, the hospital has commenced radiotherapy along with chemotherapy. Only the radiotherapy bill given to him is N1,710,000 and he does not know the series of tests they may subject him to for the radiotherapy.

The hospital always subjects him to tests anytime he goes for chemotherapy.

“Dear Comrades, please we’re looking at about N2.5 million this time. As a union, we’re raising an appeal fund for him in this regard. Please, comrades, let’s Save-A-Soul (SOS),” the committee had solicited before the help came.

Meanwhile, in a letter of appreciation signed by the chairman of Delta NUJ Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe and Comrade Victor Sorokwu, the council heartily appreciated the generosity of Adebayo.

“The extraordinary act of kindness is a wonderful and true reflection of your compassionate spirit, commitment to humanity and dedication to the welfare of others. You have demonstrated that true leadership and greatness lie in the ability to uplift others, even when it is not convenient,” they stated.

The NUJ described the kind gesture of Adebayo as an inspiration, praying God to continue to bless him with good health, prosperity and fulfillment in all his endeavours.