Bauchi Gov Releases ₦5million to Settle Journalist’s Medical Bill

Rauf Oyewole, Bauchi 

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has settled medical bills of N5million for the ailing female journalist, Hafsat Adebayo in the state who has been bedridden for over four years.

Hafsat had sought for public assistance to undergo a surgical operation in a Nigerian hospital following her battle with a brain tumor. 

The Governor while presenting the cheque to the family through the Chairman, Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Bauchi State Council, Malam Ahmed Mohammed yesterday said that he is more concerned about the welfare of journalists, having practiced in his early career.

Governor Mohammed who presented the cheque through his Media Aide, Mukhtar Gidado enjoined the media practitioners to see him as a colleague, saying that the media has been supporting his administration to achieve good governance and development.

While responding on behalf of the journalists, Ahmed Mohammed commended the Governor for his timely response. According to him, “His Excellency has been supporting our members in past, not only this, his has given this similar intervention to four members on health grounds. At least, in total he has approved N6.2m for Hafsat. We are grateful for this,” he said.

Also, Hafsat’s Elder Sister, Aisha Abdulhamid expressed her gratitude on behalf of her family. “We never thought of receiving such an amount. We have rallied round, tasking family, friends and her colleagues. The governor supported us with N1.2m last year to do the first surgery before the tumor resurfaced. 

“We pray for the Governor, His Excellency Bala Mohammed, that Allah will give him good health and everlasting joy. His love for all regardless of tribe, religion and political affiliation is exceptional. May Allah give more strength. We appreciate this and the entire family will continue to pray for him,” she said.

Her husband, Alh. Salihu Gbadamasi, described that the assistance is an elixir, while appreciating the governor's gesture and asked God to reward him abundantly.

“Honestly, saying thank you Your Excellency cannot really express the depth of my gratitude. That notwithstanding, I am expressing my appreciation to Governor Bala Mohammed for coming to the aid of my family at this difficult time. I have known the governor to be a kind-hearted and distinguished personality even before he became the Chief Executive of Bauchi State,” he said.