", We would like to categorically state that we have NOT authorized any person(s) or groups to raise funds on our behalf, " So writes Yinka Craig's son at
http://yinkacraig.org/blog/ .
In view of the family's 'Opening statement' on this blog then, is 'How to Help Yinka Craig'
http://www.nigeriavillagesquare.com/articles/guest-articles/scamming-in-the-name-of-yinka-craig-be-warned-posted-on-th.html a scam?
Even if it's not and is well intentioned, I think the family's noble stance on this matter should be respected. Because no matter how well intentioned these efforts are, their right to deserved privacy should be seriously considered.
Perhaps it would be better if all 'Friends of Yinka Craig' coordinators worldwide were to get in touch with the Administrator of
http://yinkacraig.org/blog/ , Olamide Craig - one of Yinka's sons and a medical doctor.
It has got to a stage where people on the internet (purportedly having Yinka's best interest at heart) are - squabling over the authenticity of solicitations for donations, withdrawing involvement in anger, claiming to have spoken with Kehinde (Yinka's wife) in furtherance of this project, and even posting Yinka's (purported?) Nigerian and British bank account numbers on the internet!
All who know Yinka personally know how dignified he is. The least we well-wishers could do therefore is to reflect this in the coordination of (allbeit unsolicited) efforts aimed at assisting him. I'm pleased to know from Yinka's son Olamide's update at
http://yinkacraig.org/blog/ that Yinka's very, very far from being despondent.
That said, wanting to help is a natural instinct, and since Yinka's friend Tunde Fagbenle broke the story in his 'Sunday Tribune' column last week, the outflow of concern has been phenomenal. But can we spare a thought for the family, all of whom have been managing this for quite a while before we got to hear about it 'yesterday', and be sensitive to their feelings too?
Why not consider routing all efforts through Olamide who set up
http://yinkacraig.org/blog/ on behalf of the Craig family, in the wake of the outpouring of concern that followed Fagbenle's piece (including some no doubt unintended distress to the family, as Olamide reported). That way we'd be carrying his mother Kehinde, and the rest of the Craig family along in our noble efforts to do whatever we can for the indefatigable Yinka Craig.