THANKS TO IGHO SANOMI... SIXYEAR-OLD BOKO HARAM VICTIM GETS A LIFELINE

Philanthropy is second nature to Igho Charles Sanomi, chairman, Taleveras Group, a globally recognised energy, shipping and power conglomerate. Ever since he came into his own, the wealthy businessman has made it a focal objective to give back to humanity through the Dickens Sanomi Foundation named after his father. Founded in 2011, the foundation seeks to relieve the effects of socioeconomic hardship amongst young Nigerians from vulnerable backgrounds and to empower them with the knowledge they need to secure a brighter future for themselves and for Nigeria as a whole. It was in line with this objective that the foundation recently offered to pay the medical bill of Ali Ahmadu, a six- year- old boy from Borno State, who was run over by Boko Haram terrorists when they invaded Chibok village three years ago. The medical bill for the spinal cord surgery to enable young Ali to walk again is estimated at $ 48,000. Surgery will take place at a medical facility in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. “Ali needs corrective surgery to enable him walk again after he was run over with a motorcycle in Chibok by Boko Haram members during a night raid,” said Nuhu Kwajafa, coordinator, Global Initiative For Peace, Love and Care ( GIPLC), the NGO spearheading the campaign for the medical aid of the young victim. During the visit of GIPLC to the foundation’s office in Abuja, Kwajafa said the total money needed for the complete treatment of Ali is about $ 60,000.00 including feeding and accommodation for three months. An emotional Sanomi said, “As a father, it is very touching to see a young boy like this suffer. It is sad what some of our kids have to go through. This is an opportunity for us to show our love to those who need it.” He continued: “Although, education remains the key focus of the foundation, kids have to be healthy before they can attend school. On behalf of the board of trustees of Dickens Sanomi Foundation, we will take care of Ali, this will include paying the hospital bill and we will visit him in the hospital after the surgery.”