The words in the Nigerian national anthem: “The labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain” have been aptly demonstrated by the response of Nigerians to the plight of former national team captain and coach, Christian Chukwu, exemplified by the offer by billionaire businessman and Chairman of Forte Plc, Chief Femi Otedola, to foot the entire medical bill, should the former Eagles skipper decide to seek treatment abroad, for what hospital sources said was prostate cancer compounded by osteoarthritis- a degenerative joint disease characterized by bone spurs, eroded cartilage and chronic joint pain in hands, knees, hips and spine, which worsens over time and impairs mobility.
Chukwu, who captained Nigeria to its first African Nations Cup triumph in 1980, has already had surgery on his leg, but he reportedly needs an additional $50,000 for the prostate operation to get back to his feet. The Enugu State government and the club he captained and coached for several years, Enugu Rangers have taken care of his initial treatment. Mr. Norbert Okonkwo, media officer of Enugu Rangers, told reporters that the Enugu State government donated N1.5 million for the leg surgery. Chukwu, nicknamed “Chairman” for his authority on the field as a central defender, has been discharged from Nike Clinic, Enugu and taken to a secluded hotel to keep him away from well-wishers, who had been thronging his house to wish him well.
The unprecedented show of love has come from Nigerians from far and wide, who have been donating money to ensure he gets the best treatment abroad. Many Nigerians in the Diaspora had trooped to a GoFundMe account opened for the national team icon to contribute to the cause. In the first two days, the GoFundMe appeal raised $4,305 of the $50,000 needed for further treatment. Delta State politician, Ned Nwoko donated N5 million donation, before oil magnet, Chief Otedola volunteered to foot the entire bill for Chukwu’s treatment abroad. Chief Otedola pledged to foot the entire cost of the operation as a “token of support to a great Nigerian, who served his country to the best of his ability.” Otedola previously settled the medical bills of the veteran actor, Victor Olaotan, who was at risk of double amputation following a ghastly car accident in 2016.
The outpouring of solidarity and support followed reports in some social media platforms that Christian Chukwu had been abandoned by the Enugu State government and the management of Rangers International Football Club of Enugu; the club he played for and captained to continental glory in 1977. Both the Enugu state government and the club discounted the reports, saying the rumour was not only untrue, but suggestions that Christian Chukwu was “a destitute old man abandoned to his fate in the face of an emergency health situation” were malicious and mischievous.
“Christian Chukwu, popularly called “Chairman” in his playing days, is NOT a destitute old man abandoned to his fate in the face of an emergency health situation. He is currently the Director of Sports in the Rangers Management Corporation, a public service job that enables him to meet his basic health needs. In the circumstance, Christian Chukwu is an employee of the Enugu State Government. This was one of the strategies that Rt. Hon. Dr. Ugwuanyi, the Governor of Chukwu’s home state of Enugu, designed to take care of sportsmen who had served the State or the nation in their youth,” noted a statement by Enugu State Commissioner for Information, Ogbuagu Anikwe.
According to Anikwe, “When Chukwu’s health situation was brought to the attention of his employer – Rangers Management Corporation – he was rushed to one of the best medical facilities in Enugu where a team of five (5) specialists have been attending to him. The management of Rangers Management Corporation immediately deposited N200,000 with this health facility to begin his treatment.
“On hearing about his health condition, Gov. Ugwuanyi gave an additional N1.5million to the Commissioner for Youth and Sports to give to the family — in order to ensure that the football legend did not lack anything that the team of specialists may require to manage his condition. The Governor has also given an additional N1million to the family when the doctors demanded for a further deposit, bringing the total amount disbursed by Gov. Ugwuanyi and the Rangers Management to the Chukwu family to N2.7million,” the statement said.
The Enugu state government said it was compelled to make the clarification because of “the spate of misinformation, disinformation and outright mischief that otherwise well-intentioned commentators have continued to dish out, based on the misguided efforts of a friend of the football legend who is giving a false impression that Chukwu is a destitute old man, perhaps in a bid to whip up public sympathy that enables him meet his goal of raising money to help his friend.”
“The Enugu State government notes that the negative stories surrounding Chukwu’s condition originated from the desperation of his friend in the US who is falsely claiming in his appeal fund drive message that Chukwu has been “abandoned.” Finally, if at any time the hospital doctors or the Chukwu family indicate that oversea treatment is required, the Enugu State Government will be notified and will respond appropriately,” the statement concluded.
