…Thanks Nigerians for N1.1m support, appeals to Tinubu for N15.2m life-saving surgeryBy Chioma Obinna Months after his heartbreaking story first appeared in Vanguard, Ayoola Idowu is still trapped in darkness.The father of two, who says he became permanently blind following a radiotherapy procedure, has yet to raise the N15.2 million needed for a cornea transplant in India that doctors say could restore his sight. While donations from compassionate Nigerians have kept hope alive, they have only been enough to secure a modest one-bedroom apartment for his family and cover basic medical and living expenses. The greater battle, raising enough money to save his sight, remains painfully out of reach.
Worse still, the family’s hardship has deepened. His children have been forced out of school because of unpaid fees. Speaking to Good Health Weekly, an emotional Idowu expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed N1,156,413, saying their generosity prevented his family from becoming homeless.
“I sincerely thank every Nigerian who came to my rescue. Without those donations, my family would probably have been on the streets. The money helped us rent a one-bedroom apartment and pay some medical and daily expenses.
May God bless everyone who remembered us.” But the relief has been temporary. Children out of school Unable to earn a living since losing his sight, Idowu says his family is sinking deeper into poverty.“All I want is to regain my sight so I can work again and take care of my family. As I speak, my children are no longer in school because we cannot pay their fees.
One of them was sent out during the Junior WAEC examination two weeks ago because we couldn’t pay.” His voice broke as he described watching helplessly while his children’s education slips away.“It pains me that I cannot provide for them. If I can see again, I know I can rebuild my life.” A second chance in India Hope, however, still exists. Following consultations with Max Healthcare Hospital, Gurgaon, India, Idowu has been informed that he is a candidate for a cornea transplant, offering the possibility of restoring his vision.
Medical documents made available to Good Health Weekly show that the estimated cost of treatment, travel, accommodation and associated medical care is approximately $11,000 (about N15.2 million). Parul Sharma, Director and Head of Eye Care and Ophthalmolo…
Summary from source