The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has appealed to the Rivers State Government, corporate organisations, philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians to assist veteran journalist and publisher, Elder Eddie Williams, who is battling a prolonged cardiovascular-related illness.
Speaking at the NUJ Secretariat on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, on Monday, the council’s chairman, Comrade Paul Bazia, said Williams, whose illness was first diagnosed in 2014, urgently requires specialised medical treatment costing several millions of naira.
Bazia said the publisher of The Envoy Newspaper has sought treatment in hospitals within and outside Nigeria over the years but now requires advanced medical care beyond his financial means.
Describing Williams as a respected journalist, mentor and advocate for justice, Bazia said his contributions to investigative journalism and the development of the media profession have earned him widespread recognition.
He appealed to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, local government chairmen, corporate bodies, charitable organisations and other public-spirited Nigerians to support the veteran journalist’s treatment, noting that timely intervention would give him another chance to recover and continue contributing to the profession.
The NUJ said all financial donations should be paid into the Rivers State Council’s designated account for Williams’ medical treatment.
