On February 15, 1995, jubilation and joy enveloped the family of Mr and Mrs Gabriel Ogene who are residents of Lagos but indigenous to Kwale in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State. That was at the birth of their handsome son, Holy Ogene who is now 20 years old.
At the time of his birth, his eyes glowed as the Northern Star. While growing up, he was so promising so much so that he won Governor Babatunde Fashola-organised essay competition in 2009; having represented his school, Babs Fafunwa Millennium Secondary School, Ojodu Berger Lagos State.
The young Ogene was bubbling with life and was doing well in his academic career until when he was in primary school when the unexpected happened. He developed eye problem.
His caring parents took him to several hospitals, including MaxiVision and Eye Foundation, all in Lagos. At first, the young Ogene underwent surgery on the right eye, albeit, at a local medical facility. Unfortunately, the left eye was affected; thereby rendering him somewhat blind.
His parents thought it was a minor challenge. It never was.
Since then, Ogene has neither been himself again nor able to be so active in her music career; being a rap artiste. He always feel sad as the supposedly minor eye problem snowballed into glycoma which may prevent him from actualising his dream of becoming one of Nigeria’s intellectually-endowed music stars which will enable him to contribute to his quota to Nigeria’s socio-economic and political advancement.
Doctors recommended that he undertake profound surgery on the two eyes. Due to the fact that he was very young, his father objected to the idea and suggestion. Ostensibly, he was afraid that he might lose his handsome son. But the doctor insisted on the surgery taking place because young Ogene’s eyes had shifted out of their normal positions; hence the urgent need to carry out the surgery.
Gabriel, his father could not take any of that. So, he kept on managing till when he was 14 years of age. His left eye finally had cataract, and then there was no money to remove it.
He continued to live life with only one eye, until he attained the age of 16. It was then that he noticed he could not see any more. He went for eye test and the doctor confirmed he had glycoma. Proffering solution, the doctor said it would cost N2 million (Two million Naira) for the surgery to be carried out in India.
His parents and relations had already spent millions of Naira, thus stretching the family’s resources beyond its malleable limits, even as it has plunged them into massive debts.
Again, her parents, especially her mother who has developed what could be described as acute high blood pressure because of her son’s predicament, have been in shock as they watch their handsome and talented son saunter about or led by the hand as his condition deteriorates.
Afraid that handsome Ogene would be snatched by the wicked hands of death should they continue to save money on their own to enable their son to carry out the surgery, Ogene’s parents and friends have been forced by the degeneration and the piercingly agonising misery which Ogene has been in for some time now, have decided to appeal to their fellow Nigerians for financial assistance.
They are appealing to kind-hearted Nigerians to help them raise N2 million required to finance his eye surgery in India.
To this end, a Save-Ogene dedicated account number: Diamond Bank. Account Name: Holyo Famous, Account No: 4443534394 has been opened to enable benevolent individuals who wish to help this up-and-coming music star regain his sight and live his normal life again to make their donations.
Every kobo donated towards making Holy Ogene to regain his normal life goes a long way to retrieve him from the cold grip of death.
Ogene’s heartfelt appeal goes to governments at all levels, philanthropic organisations, corporate bodies, professional bodies, women groups, parents who understand the pangs of labour and other distinguished Nigerians who, we are sure, cannot sit by and watch this ailment waste Ogene.
Ogene’s statement of appeal reads:
“My name is Holy Ogene and I am a Political Encyclopedia. I was born on February 15, 1995 and since I have been going through minor eye issue. I have been on drugs and eye glasses till a faithful day the doctor asked me to undergo eye surgery.
“I am appealing to well-meaning individuals, government officials, churches and President Muhammadu Buhari and the member House of Representatives, Ossai Nikolas Ossai for them to please help me.
“I thank Oyibosochukwu Nwabueze the Tojbesu of Delta State for all his assistance.”
Those who are parents would better appreciate a situation where they watch a dear son or daughter in such a very distressing condition and lack the wherewithal to do anything to halt the heart-rending situation. What a scary thought it would be!
Nigerians are noted for their large-heartedness. Those who are moved by Ogene’s optimism that, he would not die but live to testify the goodness of the Almighty and the benevolence of fellow Nigerians in the land of the living should not delay or hesitate to come to his rescue.
Right now, the most consuming desire of this handsome young man is to regain his sight. Nigerians, known for their eagerness to compassionately respond to distress call such as this would not let Ogene down and allow the unrelenting glycoma disease to waste his young life.
The earlier he travels to India for the eye surgery, the more sure we are that Ogene will live to become one of Nigeria’s famous contributor to her development.
Please, help him as God Almighty whose other name is Mercy, would watch over you and your entire household, even as He takes care of your needs. For more enquiries, contact Ogene on 08134223156 or 08104974780.
