Veteran actors Jide Kosoko and Yinka Quadri have explained why their ailing colleague, Taiwo 'Ogogo' Hassan, cannot be moved from his current hospital despite receiving hundreds of offers of medical assistance. The actors issued a statement on Wednesday, posted on their Instagram pages, addressing the outpouring of support from Nigerians.
Medical condition prevents transfer
Kosoko and Quadri explained that Ogogo's current medical condition makes it extremely difficult to transfer him from the hospital where he is receiving care. They said, 'We particularly appreciate those who have reached out to say they have spiritual assistance, treatment, or other means they believe could help him. We have received hundreds of such offers, and we sincerely appreciate every single one. However, we humbly appeal to everyone not to stop praying for Ogogo.'
The actors noted that they have received offers from more than 300, and even over 500 people, each sincerely believing they have something that could help him. 'The challenge is: where do we take him? And how do we move him from the hospital while he is receiving care? Please understand that our inability to bring him to anyone does not mean that we do not appreciate you, nor does it mean that we doubt your intentions or your desire to help,' they added.
Appreciation for global support
Kosoko and Quadri expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and concern from people around the world for Ogogo. They said they have received several messages, prayers, and words of encouragement, and urged Ogogo's fans and other concerned individuals to continue praying for the actor. 'Please, continue to pray with us. We believe strongly that, with your prayers, our prayers, and the mercy of Almighty God, Taye will come out of this situation. There is nothing impossible before Almighty God,' they stated.
The actors also clarified a crucial point: 'Please, do not feel offended or disappointed if we are unable to bring Ogogo to you for spiritual assistance or treatment. It is extremely difficult to move him from the hospital to different locations at this stage of his treatment, especially considering the large number of people who have offered to help.'
Backstory and appeal for specialists
This newspaper had earlier reported that Ogogo's colleagues rallied around him after his daughters, Kira and Haleemah, disclosed that doctors had diagnosed their father with stage-four cancer and appealed to Nigerians to help explore medical options, including traditional treatment, after the hospital allegedly refused to treat him. The actors appealed to Nigerians to help the family find medical specialists and hospitals equipped to treat him, noting that Ogogo did not need financial assistance. They said the actor's condition required specialised treatment and urged anyone who knew of a qualified specialist or suitable medical facility to contact his family.
Ogogo's daughters had said they could not bear the thought of losing him and needed to secure the right treatment as soon as possible. They said doctors diagnosed Ogogo with cancer about three weeks ago, and that he remained determined to survive. They added that the actor had repeatedly expressed his desire to live.
