NUJ Yobe Correspondents Trade Pens for Palliatives, Gift 40 Hospital Patients Cash Relief

By Yusuf A Yusuf Damaturu


The Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Yobe State Council, has distributed cash assistance to 40 vulnerable patients receiving treatment at two major health facilities in Damaturu as part of its Humanitarian Outreach Programme.

Twenty patients each from the Women and Children Hospital (Family Support Hospital) and the Yobe State Specialist Hospital benefited from the intervention on Thursday. The funds were sourced through contributions and savings made by members of the chapel.

Speaking during the disbursement, the Chairman of the Correspondents' Chapel, Comrade Nabilu Balarabe, said the initiative reflects the chapel's commitment to supporting vulnerable members of society beyond its traditional role of reporting events and holding government accountable.

"This is a community development project initiated by this administration of the chapel. We decided from day one that we would not only concentrate on our primary responsibility of publicising government activities and holding government accountable. We also want to participate in intervention and support programmes that directly impact people's lives," he said.

Balarabe noted that the cash assistance was targeted at vulnerable patients identified by the two hospitals to help them settle medical bills and meet other essential needs, including feeding.

He called on philanthropists, organizations and well-meaning individuals to emulate the gesture by supporting patients and other vulnerable groups.

"There are people whose lives are in very difficult conditions in these hospitals, and they need urgent assistance. The little support anyone can provide can put smiles on their faces and make a significant difference in their lives," he added.

Responding on behalf of the Women and Children Hospital, the Principal Medical Officer in charge of the facility, Dr. Babagana Alhaji Kolo, commended the journalists for the gesture, describing it as a commendable initiative that would inspire other organizations to support vulnerable patients.

"Journalists are our voice to the public. What you have done today will send a strong message to other organizations and unions that there are people in need of assistance, especially considering the current economic situation in the country," he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee of the Yobe State Specialist Hospital, Dr. Muhammad Aji, said the cash assistance would help beneficiaries purchase prescribed drugs, meet their feeding needs and, in some cases, cover transportation expenses back to their communities after discharge.

Two beneficiaries, Aisha Muhammad and Halima Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to the Correspondents' Chapel, saying the assistance would significantly improve their welfare by helping them settle medical bills and purchase food and medication.

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