The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has inaugurated a three -man committee to coordinate fund raising for the medicare of an ailing member.
Key Highlights:
- NUJ Rivers State Council inaugurated a three-man committee to raise funds for ailing veteran journalist Elder Eddie Williams.
- Williams, publisher of Envoy Newspaper, is battling a prolonged cardiovascular illness requiring specialised treatment.
- NUJ appealed to government, organisations, and individuals to support his medical expenses.
- The union described Williams as a respected journalist, mentor, and advocate for ethical journalism.
- The committee is led by Dr. Chris Okonkwo, with King Onunwor as secretary and Ilanye Jumbo as member.
Chairman of the council, Paul Bazia, who inaugurated the committee at a special Congress of the union at its Secretariat, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, appealed to the government, corporate organisations, philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians to urgently assist veteran journalist, Elder Eddie Williams, who is down with prolonged cardiovascular-related illness.
According to the chairman, the veteran journalist’s condition was first diagnosed in 2014, but now requires urgent specialised medical attention to save his life.
Bazia disclosed that medical experts handling Williams’ case have recommended further specialised examinations and treatment, the cost of which runs into several millions of naira, an amount far beyond his financial capacity.
According to the NUJ chairman, the veteran journalist has sought medical care in several hospitals within and outside Nigeria over the years in a determined effort to overcome the illness, but his condition has continued to demand more advanced and expensive medical intervention.
Read Also:
- NUJ FCT Congratulates Badejo-Okusanya As 1st Democratically Elected Female NBA President
- FCT NUJ FCT Chair Wins Beacon Of Education Award, Pledges To Champion Children With Special Needs
- FCT NUJ Chair Challenges Graduands To Choose Character Over Certificates, Hope Over Despair
He explained that the purpose of the appeal is to draw the attention of government, corporate organisations, public-spirited individuals and friends of the media to the urgent need to save the life of one of the profession’s distinguished practitioners.
Bazia noted that despite exhausting his personal resources in pursuit of quality medical care, Williams could no longer shoulder the enormous financial burden of the treatment without external assistance.
The NUJ chairman described Elder Williams as a respected journalist whose contributions to journalism in Rivers State and beyond have earned him recognition as one of the profession’s seasoned voices.
He recalled that Williams is the publisher of the Port- Harcourt based Envoy Newspaper, a publication that distinguished itself through investigative journalism, advocacy and campaigns aimed at promoting justice, defending the vulnerable and advancing societal development including health related issues.
According to him, throughout his journalism career, Williams consistently used his pen to expose injustice, promote truth and contribute meaningfully to public discourse on issues affecting national development.
Bazia further described the ailing journalist as a prolific writer, mentor and media professional who devoted several years to nurturing younger journalists and encouraging ethical journalism.
He stressed that preserving Williams’ life would not only be a humanitarian gesture but would also ensure that younger generations of journalists continue to benefit from his vast experience and wealth of professional knowledge.
The NUJ Chairman therefore appealed to the Rivers State government, especially Governor Siminalayi Fubura, local government chairmen, corporate bodies, charitable organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of the veteran journalist by supporting his medical treatment financially.
He expressed optimism that timely intervention and collective support would enable Williams to undergo the necessary specialised medical procedures and recover to continue contributing to the journalism profession.
Bazia added that every contribution, irrespective of its size, would make a significant difference in helping to offset the huge medical bills and give the respected media veteran another opportunity to regain his health and continue inspiring others through his lifetime of service.
However the chairman further appealed that all financial assistance should be channelled to the NUJ Account Details( 0039580026 GTB – NUJ Rivers State Council).
The three man Appeal Fund Committee has
Dr. Chris Okonkwo as chairman, King Onunwor, secretary and Ilanye Jumbo as member.
