From Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
Breaking away from their traditional role of observing and reporting, members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Yobe State Council, have extended direct financial relief to 40 vulnerable hospital patients in Damaturu.
The outreach saw journalists visit two major healthcare facilities in the state capital—the Yobe State Specialist Hospital and the Women and Children Hospital (Family Support)—where they distributed cash assistance across various wards to help patients offset pressing medical expenses.
Speaking during the disbursement, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Nabil Balarabe, noted that the gesture was intentionally designed to anchor the current executive administration’s focus on grassroots community service.
“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,” Balarabe stated.
Balarabe further revealed that the financial intervention was funded entirely through the chapel’s lean internally generated resources, underscoring it as a product of collective personal sacrifice by the reporters.
With hospital wards currently witnessing a surge in critical cases, Balarabe urged corporate bodies, politicians, and wealthy individuals to step forward, emphasizing that one does not need extraordinary wealth to impact a life.
“I always tell my colleagues that 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,” the Chairman added.
Corroborating the urgency of the situation, Dr. Muhammad Aji, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at the Yobe State Specialist Hospital, lauded the timely arrival of the intervention.
He explained that the cash would drastically reduce burdens associated with purchasing drugs, securing meals, and handling post-treatment transportation costs back to rural communities.
Dr. Aji pointed out that medical facilities are currently grappling with high admission rates for severe malaria, blood transfusions, and emergency surgeries, making external support more vital than ever.
Reacting to the outreach, Dr. Babagana Alhaji Kolo, the Principal Medical Officer in charge of the Women and Children Hospital, hailed the journalists for setting a historic benchmark.
“In fact, this is one of the first initiatives of its kind, especially during my time at this hospital.
