By Sule Aliyu Bauchi
Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad of Bauchi State has settled the N5 million medical bill of Hafsat Adebayo, a female journalist who required brain surgery.
Hafsat had sought public assistance to undergo a brain tumour operation at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital (JUTH).
The governor’s media aide, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado, presented the cheque on behalf of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammàd to Hafsat’s family through the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Bauchi State Council, Malam Ahmad Muhammàd.
Governor Muhammad, a former journalist himself, expressed concern for the welfare of journalists and acknowledged their role in supporting his administration.
While responding on behalf of the journalists, Ahmad Muhammad 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 Muhammad, 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 Muhammad 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