Bauchi Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed, has approved the immediate release of the sum of N5m to settle the medical bills of the ailing female journalist, Hafsat Adebayo, who has been bedridden for over four years.
Hafsat Adebayo, mother of one, had sought public assistance to enable her to undergo a surgical operation in a Nigeria hospital following her battle with a brain tumor.
A cheque for the amount, as approved by the Governor, was presented to the family through the Chairman, Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Bauchi State Council, Malam Ahmed Mohammed, on Wednesday.
The Governor, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, said that he is more concerned about the welfare of Journalists working in the State, having practiced in his early career.
Bala Mohammed 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 the past, not only this, he 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 saying, “We never thought of receiving such an amount. We have rallied round, tasking family, friends and her colleagues.”
According to her, “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 as an elixir, while appreciating the Governor’s gesture and asked God to reward him abundantly.
According to him, “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.”
He stressed that,”I have known the governor to be a kind-hearted and distinguished personality even before he became the Chief Executive of Bauchi State.”
