By Esther Ogunlowo
Ibadan, Nigeria — A retired broadcaster and proud son of Delta State, Mr. Gabriel Ono Onafurumen, has made a desperate appeal to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the Delta State Government to urgently come to his aid as he battles advanced prostate cancer.
Onafurumen, a native of Kokori-Inland in Ethiope East Local Government Area, spent 35 years serving Nigeria’s airwaves through the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) in Ibadan. He joined the station in 1978 as an assistant producer straight out of secondary school, and over the years furthered his education — earning a B.Sc. from the University of Ibadan, a Postgraduate Diploma from The Polytechnic Ibadan, and a Master’s degree in Communication and Language Arts, also from the University of Ibadan.
He rose through the ranks, presenting, producing, and reading the news in his native Urhobo language, before eventually becoming Deputy Director of Programmes for the South West zone, which at the time included Edo and Delta States. He retired from service on November 22, 2013.
However, his years of service are now overshadowed by a life-threatening illness. Diagnosed in 2021 with prostate enlargement that later progressed to prostate cancer, Onafurumen has undergone surgery and taken powerful, expensive medication without significant improvement.
Doctors at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, have now placed him on Lutetium 177 PSMA therapy, a cutting-edge treatment that costs ₦6 million per dose. He needs between five and six doses to survive.
“By the grace of God, the first shot was fully sponsored by an international organization” he recounted. “Friends raised two million naira towards my second shot, which I took on July 24 and 25. My next shot is due in eight weeks, but I have no funds for the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth shots. I am in constant pain, I can barely eat, and I hardly sleep”
The veteran broadcaster is now turning to the leader of his home state for help.
“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, my Governor, I am your son from Kokori-Inland. Please, sir, I need your urgent intervention so I can complete my treatment and live. My life depends on it” he pleaded.
Onafurumen also appealed to well-meaning individuals, corporate organizations, and philanthropists to join in saving his life.
“Any support, no matter how small, will go a long way. I have given my voice to Nigeria and voiceless Nigerians for decades — now I need voices to speak for me” he submitted.
Account details :👉🏻1013152354….. Polaris…
Gabriel Onafurume.
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