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Nigeria: Lagos Gives N15m Lifeline to Ailing Yinka Craig
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This Day (Lagos)
13 May 2008
Posted to the web 13 May 2008
Deji Elumoye
Lagos
Lagos state government yesterday rose to the medical needs of the ailing veteran broadcaster, Mr. Yinka Craig with the release of N15 million lifeline as part of the cost of his treatment of cancer of the bloodstream in the United States of America.
The family of the ace journalist had approached the state government for financial assistance towards the treatment of Craig who has been down with cancer in the last two months.
Briefing newsmen in Ikeja on the decision of the state executive council to provide the lifeline for the broadcaster, the state commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele in the company of his Health counterpart, Dr. Jide Idris, said the aim of the state government by providing the lifeline was for the broadcaster to get quick medical attention abroad.
He said the state government last Friday approved and released the sum of N15 million for the family of the ace broadcaster out of the N38 million estimate for the treatment of Craig in the United States as submitted to the government by the familyOpeyemi added that "as I am talking to you with the release of the lifeline by government, the ailing Craig has since been flown to the United States last weekend as there are no facilities in Africa to treat the ailment of Craig."
According to him, the release of the fund was part of the government efforts to solicit for the support of other Nigerians and corporate bodies to assist in the medical needs of Nigerians, adding that "it is for us to set example for other to donate and release such money to the family." He explained that Craig has done so much to the nation, saying, "we are convinced that everyone can pray for him, since all cannot contribute financially." Bamidele maintained that the state government has reacted because it was a situation that requires urgent attention, saying that the response has become imperative so as a responsible government that places value on life and that believes in helping to prolong the life of people that have distinguished themselves in their chosen career.
According to him, "Lagos State approved N15m for the treatment of Mr. Yinka Craig. As a government, we are very concerned about Craig's health; we are joining faith with all Nigerians to pray. We wish Craig recovery from this ailment, and we also call on all those who had promised to meet up with their pledge so as to facilitate the treatment."
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Also commenting on the issue, Dr. Idris, said that the state government's gesture would account for 40 per cent of the financial requirement of N38m meant for the treatment, noting that Craig's case could only be treated in America or Germany. He said funding the health sector had been a major problem in this country adding that,"It is only now that there is a positive respond from the Federal Government on that."We need to quicken it because the problems are enormous, however, they must be well planned so as toease implementation," Idris added.
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