In the spirit of Eid-el-Maulud, members of the Bogobiri Muslim Youth visited the General Hospital, Calabar, where they donated cash gifts to 30 patients to support their medical bills.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the presentation, the Secretary-General of the group, Hassan Aliyu, said the outreach was part of the group’s commemoration of the Prophet’s birthday.
He noted that the choice of a hospital was deliberate, aimed at reaching the vulnerable and supporting patients who may be struggling to afford their medical bills and medications. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of all those on admission.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of the group, Shaaban Abdullahi Yarima, said the visit was an expression of love to the sick in line with the spirit of the season.
"Today, we are celebrating the birthday of our noble Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his companions. In our own little way, we decided to extend a hand of love to the sick here at the General Hospital by offering prayers and presenting a token to assist them with their medication," he said.
Yarima added that the gesture aligned with the "People First" mantra of Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu, noting that the group was putting the philosophy into action.
He commended the hospital management for the warm reception accorded the group during the visit.
In his response, the Medical Superintendent of the hospital, Dr. Kenneth Takim, thanked the Muslim youth for the gesture, describing it as "humanity in action."
"I want to thank you all for this kind gesture to mark the Holy Prophet’s birthday. This was done devoid of religious affiliation. You have come here to share what Allah has blessed you with, with those who are less privileged. You have come to give hope and support to the sick, and this is a great relief to the patients," Dr. Takim said.
He expressed hope that the group would sustain the visit annually and expressed confidence that the beneficiaries would continue to pray for the donors.
Some of the beneficiaries also appreciated the Bogobiri Muslim Youth for the kind gesture and urged other faithful to emulate the group in the spirit of love, charity, and brotherhood.
Nakanda Iyadim
