The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, has appealed to public-spirited individuals, especially indigenes of Isoko, to urgently assist one of its members, Comrade Dave Okpogadie, who is battling cancer and requires over N10 million to continue his treatment.
Okpogadie, a former correspondent of ITV and currently with Nigerian NewsDirect, began treatment in 2024 with surgery at the Asaba Specialist Hospital. He was later transferred to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, for chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Chairman of the NUJ Delta Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, said the journalist now requires more than three months of hospital admission to complete his treatment. However, the financial burden is beyond the means of his family and the Union.
“The Union has done its best. We supported him with N1.8 million initially and raised more in a second phase, bringing the total to about N4.5 million so far,” Oyowe said. He disclosed that a major donation of N2.5 million was made by Comrade Shola Adebayo during the second round of fundraising.
He noted that while the Delta State Ministry of Information and the Delta State Contributory Health Commission have shown support — with the Ministry even writing to the State Governor for special intervention — the treatment cannot wait for the slow processes of government.
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“We’ve spoken to the government, and they are working on it, but the machinery of government grinds slowly. We cannot wait because Dave needs treatment now,” Oyowe said.
A detailed breakdown of the required funds shows that radiotherapy and related care will cost N5,575,000, while chemotherapy will require N4,746,000, bringing the total to N10,321,000.
The radiotherapy cost includes N2,560,000 for treatment sessions, N910,000 for CT scans, N770,000 for hospital stay, and other medical needs. Chemotherapy involves 11 sessions costing N3,850,000, in addition to tests, consultant fees, and miscellaneous expenses.
The NUJ has set up a nine-member welfare committee to manage donations and disbursements. The committee is chaired by Comrade Ruth Omejie of the Field Information Chapel, with Comrade Ameachi Okpara of the Asaba Correspondents Chapel serving as secretary. Although the committee does not yet have a corporate account, funds are being received through the chairman’s account.
Oyowe emphasized the urgency of the situation and called on sons and daughters of Isoko, as well as other compassionate Nigerians, to help save Okpogadie’s life.
“Cancer is treatable if caught early, but we must act now before it’s too late,” he said.
Comrade Dave Okpogadie hails from Emevor in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State. The NUJ said with timely help, he has a good chance of recovery and returning to the profession he loves.