An Abuja-based journalist, Mr Yahaya Taidi, is dying of kidney failure, but N7million could save him. He is to undergo kidney transplantation in India, even as his health condition continues to worsen.

The 47-year-old and father of five was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease by Nephrologists in February this year, in Abuja.

The Ilorin, Kwara stateborn journalist told our reporter in an interview: "This thing started fully in February this year and I was on admission for a period of three weeks at Wuse General Hospital. It was at the hospital that doctors discovered what they called "CKD". Later, the Nephrologist told me that the kidney failure was secondary to an existing diabetic condition because I had been diabetic for almost twenty years.

"I developed hypertension about two years ago. So, you know that hypertension and diabetes are the leading causes of kidney failure. So, that is the primary cause. I am diabetic like I said close to twenty years now.

"I am a journalist, I work with Champion Newspaper and I am a Judiciary Correspondent. I joined the paper not long ago but I have been practicing for close to twenty years. I worked with the New Age Newspaper for a very long time. I had also worked with National Accord, National Daily among others. I need seven million naira to undergo surgery in India.

"I am the immediate past Secretary of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondent. I am a member of Nigeria Union of Journalist and I am an Associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (Chattered) I am married with five children. I am from Kwara state, Ilorin. I need money; I need a lot of prayer. It is not just money alone that I need; I plead that everybody help me with prayers too," the ailing experienced journalist pleaded.

His medical report signed by Consultant Physician/ Nephrologist and Medical Director, Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, Abuja, Dr Olatise Olalekan, reads:

"The above named person is a 47 year old journalist who is being managed for chronic kidney disease 2º to diabetic Nephropathy. He is on thrice weekly maintenance haemodialysis, twice weekly subcutaneous erythropoietin injection; weekly intravenous iron sucrose injections and anti hypertensive. This cost an average of One N105, 000 weekly about N420, 000 monthly.

"Kidney transplant which carries a better outcome in terms of long term survival would cost about N7million. Kindly render any possible financial assistance. Feel free to contact us should you need further clarification," the statement noted.

Taidi urges well-meaning individuals to help him raise the seven million naira required for his treatment. His account number is ECOBANK 4701045358, Taidi O. Yahaya.