By Kayode Adeoti
In his bid to impact positively on the society, the Executive Director of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Bayalas Health Care Foundation, Dr. Abubakar Idowu Sanni, has divulged that he sold his landed property worth N8.5million and his car to treat cataract patients.
Speaking exclusively with our reporter, yesterday, Sanni narrated how he sold his house at Gaa Akanbi area of Ilorin at N8.5million and his Mazda Premacy car to assist people suffering from cataract with no means to finance the operation.
He added that the quest to return sight to the patients triggered him to sell his property at what he described as ‘give away price.’
He therefore lamented how his effort to get sponsors for the programme failed, saying he has no further capability to fund it.
“We’ve been praying to God for sponsors, people are indoor suffering because they have no financial means to go to the hospital. I see it as a duty to help people with this disease; this is why I committed all my resources into it.
“When there was no money to buy drugs, I sold my house worth N8.5million; I also sold my car worth over N2million. Before now, I’ve sold many of my property for charity. I believe that is just the only way we can move forward.
“I’ve done it at Emir’s Palace clinic for more than 2,000 people about two years ago, Since January this year, I’ve been doing it at OFM premises every Tuesday, this last Tuesday, I could only send drugs to the cataract patients.
“On daily basis, I operate no fewer than 10 cataracts and I give medications to over 500 people. I’ve treated more than 5,000 patients since January.
“To operate cataract in hospital, one needs at least N70,000 to N150,000, though it’s much more in some cities like Abuja and Lagos.”
Speaking with our reporter, yesterday, one of the cataract patients, Bunmi Owolabi, called on the new administration in the state to save the NGO from going under.
“I would have been treated today because it will get to my turn but the doctor did not come because we were told there was no means…”
