Journalists Extend Humanitarian Support to 40 Patients in Yobe Hospitals

From Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu

Members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Yobe State Council, have provided financial assistance to 40 vulnerable patients receiving treatment at two major hospitals in Damaturu.

The beneficiaries, selected from the Women and Children Hospital (Family Support) and the Yobe State Specialist Hospital, received cash support to assist with medical expenses and other related needs during their treatment.

Speaking during the presentation, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Nabil Balarabe, said the initiative was part of the chapel’s commitment to complementing its journalism responsibilities with community-focused interventions.

Balarabe explained that journalists should not only report societal challenges but also contribute positively towards addressing them whenever possible.

“From the beginning, we decided that our responsibilities would not be limited to our primary role of reporting and publicising government activities. We also want to go the extra mile by participating in interventions and supporting meaningful projects,” he said.

He disclosed that the funds were generated internally by members of the chapel, describing the gesture as a product of collective sacrifice and commitment.

“What you are witnessing today is a cash disbursement programme from the little resources available to us at the chapel level,” he added.

The chairman called on philanthropists, organisations, business owners, and other well-meaning individuals to extend support to vulnerable patients, stressing that even small contributions could make a meaningful impact.

“You do not have to be a billionaire before you can help someone. Whatever little you are able to give can make a significant difference,” Balarabe said.

Receiving the support on behalf of the Yobe State Specialist Hospital, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Muhammad Aji, described the intervention as timely and commendable.

He said the assistance would help patients meet essential needs such as purchasing medications, feeding, and transportation after treatment.

Dr. Aji appealed to individuals, government officials, business owners, and organisations to visit hospitals and support patients, especially amid increasing cases requiring urgent medical attention, including severe malaria, blood transfusion, and surgical procedures.

Similarly, the Principal Medical Officer in charge of the Women and Children Hospital (Family Support), Dr. Babagana Alhaji Kolo, described the initiative as a significant and uncommon intervention.

“Journalists are the voice of the people, and this kind of intervention sends a strong message to other organisations, unions, and individuals that there are people in need of support,” he said.

Dr. Kolo commended the journalists for the gesture and expressed hope that other groups would emulate the initiative by extending assistance to vulnerable members of society.