The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, is asking kind-hearted sons and daughters of Isoko to help save the life of one of their members, Comrade Dave Okpogadie, who is very sick and needs money to continue his cancer treatment.
Since 2024, Comrade Okpogadie has been battling cancer. He started his treatment with surgery at Asaba Specialist Hospital. After that, he was moved to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu for chemotherapy and radiotherapy — special treatments that help fight cancer cells.
The NUJ Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, explained that Comrade Dave now needs to stay in the hospital for more than three months to complete his treatment. Sadly, the cost is too much for his family and the Union to handle alone. That’s why they are asking for help from generous people in the Isoko community and beyond.
The total cost of the treatment is N10,321,000. This includes the money needed for hospital stays, medicine, blood transfusions, tests, and other important care.
*The NUJ Has Already Helped*
Chairman Oyowe said that the Union has already helped Dave twice before. “We have intervened at the initial stage. We gave out N1.8 million at first and then raised more money the second time. So far, we’ve raised about N4.5 million,” he said.
He also shared that one kind person, Comrade Shola Adebayo, gave a large donation of N2.5 million during the second round of fundraising.
The Delta State Ministry of Information and the Delta State Contributory Health Commission have also supported the cause. The Ministry has written to the State Governor, asking for a special intervention.
But Chairman Oyowe said more help is needed — and fast. “We’ve spoken to the government, and they are working on it, but you know how government works — The machinery of government grinds slowly. We cannot wait because Dave needs treatment now.”
“We are not saying we are tired, but we have our limits as a Union. Dave is from Isoko, and we know Isoko has many great sons and daughters. We are calling on them to help save Dave’s life. Cancer is treatable if caught early, but we must act now before it’s too late,” he added.
*Full Cost of Treatment*
For Radiotherapy (Cancer-Fighting Machine Treatment)
– Blood every week for 11 weeks: N440,000
– Weekly organ test: N275,000
– Post-treatment drugs: N400,000
– CT Scan: N910,000
– Radiotherapy session: N2,560,000
– 11 weeks hospital stay: N770,000
– Dental treatment every week: N220,000 Radiotherapy Total: N5,575,000
For Chemotherapy (Cancer Medicine Treatment)
– 11 sessions of chemotherapy: N3,850,000
– Blood test every week: N77,000
– Kidney test every week: N264,000
– Consultant’s fee: N55,000
– Extra/unplanned expenses: N500,000 Chemotherapy Total: N4,746,000
Grand Total: N10,321,000
*A Trusted Committee Is Managing the Funds*
The NUJ has a welfare committee in charge of managing all the donations and spending. The chairman of the committee is Comrade Ruth Omejie from the Field Information Chapel, and the secretary is Comrade Ameachi Okpara from the Asaba Correspondents Chapel. It is a nine-member committee made up of people from different parts of NUJ Delta.
Although the committee doesn’t have a corporate account yet, donations are being sent through the chairman’s account. “The committee has done a great job. They even spent their own money when needed, and we trust them to continue doing what is right,” the NUJ Chairman said.
*About Comrade Dave*
Mr. Dave Okpogadie is a former correspondent of ITV and currently works with the Nigerian NewsDirect. He comes from Emevor in the Isoko North Local Government Area.
The NUJ believes that with the support of caring individuals, Comrade Okpogadie can get better and return to doing the job he loves — journalism.
They are praying for everyone who helps and hoping for good news soon.
If you can help or know someone who can, please reach out to the NUJ Delta State Council. Every donation, big or small, brings hope.
Let’s help save a life.
