Lokoja
A veteran actor, Duro Solomon, has appealed to good Nigerians and corporate organisations in the country to come to his aid in raising N4 million to enable him undergo orthopaedic surgery for total hip replacement (THR).
He made the appeal in an interview with a correspondent of Duaglobalnews in Lokoja on Friday.
The actor in his 60s, who recalled that he worked with the Broadcasting Corporation of Northern Nigeria, Radio Nigeria and the Nigerian Television Authority(NTA),in programme and drama departments for many years and practised as journalist, said he was a victim of hit and run driver in 2015 in Abuja.
“I was at the Gwarinpa axis of Kubwa express on that fateful night; waiting to board carb to Kubwa when a driver turned his car and rammed over me, ran away, leaving me with one of my hips damaged. Since then, I have been limping.
” I was rushed to an orthopaedic hospital,Cedar crest hospital, Abuja where I received medication.
“However,the Consultant orthopaedic surgeon in that hospital, Dr Siddiq Salawu, recommended surgery for total replacement of my hip.
“When we did the total cost implication of the surgery, it amounts to over N4 million.
“The amount is certainly above my capacity to shoulder, being a retiree without gratuity or pension.
“What I am going through to keep soul and body together is highly imagined than said not to talk of seeking for financial assistance to replace my hip.
“I have sold many of my property such as my car and other belongings, to ensure that I regain my hip, spending N20,000 weekly on medication since 2015 but with no success.
“This is why I am soliciting the generosity of good Nigerians, my former employers, federal and my state, kogi government to assist in raising the amount for the surgery.”
Duro recalled that he played prominent roles in various drama and movies such ad in Festac ’77, where he acted the major character in “Emodolaye” in a play, “Langbodo.”
He added that he part of the group that participated in “Mirror in the Sunday”, a popular 1984 soap opera by NTA among others.
He expressed optimism that with the magnanimity of the public reaching him to carry out the surgery, he would return to stage to continue making his contribution to the world of movie; acting and producing many actors.
He urged those who would want to assist him realise his dream to direct their contribution to his account no.1017160156, UBA, bearing Duro Solomon or dial 08136003792.
“The gesture will be highly appreciated,” he promised.
