For those of you resident in Benin City, the name Brown Atienwhen might just ring a bell. He was an actor based in the Edo state capital, and very active in the Arts and Culture scene out there. Until very recently that is. He passed away last Sunday, at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. While one death is tragic, Mr. Atienwhen's demise was made all the more tragic by the fact that the sum of N150k could have saved his life. N150k, or in real money terms, $952! Actors in Benin, not finding the story funny, took to the streets of the ancient city two days ago to protest, and a frankly disgusting story that followed is the allegation that the commissioner responsible for Arts approved the release of money for Atienwhen's treatment, but the money was sat on by a Permanent Secretary, because Atienwhen owed her N7k ($44)!
May his soul Rest In Peace...Amen
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