Irede Foundation canvases support for children amputees; Organizes global awareness program
By Fabian Ekeruche
Lagos
Irede Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, has called for support from kind-hearted Nigerians for the provision of artificial limbs for children amputees.
The Executive Director of the foundation, Mrs. Crystal Chigbu, made the plea on Saturday in Lagos at a walk to advocate the inclusion of children amputees in all strata of life.
Chigbu said that the foundation was established 13 years ago when she gave birth to her daughter with congenital limb deformity.
She said that the condition of her daughter spurred her to fight for the cause of children amputees in the country.
According to her, disability is a thing of the mind.
“There are people with disabilities that can live a full life.
“What we are fighting for is access to building, information and access to everything possible to make them lead out their lives in full.
“Be an ambassador advocating for amputees,” Chigbu said.
She said that the foundation would give out 100 limbs to children amputees in 2022.
She said that a limb costs N1.5 million.
Chigbu explained that the walk took place in different parts of the world globally and simultaneously to raise their voice in support of children amputees.
She said that those paying N5,000 in support of the T- Shirts for the walk were actually contributing towards purchase of a limb.
Chigbu expressed gratitude to supporters and sponsors of the programme like Procter and Gamble, IHS Towers, UPS, and Green House Bikers, among others.
In his remark, the Managing Director, Procter and Gamble (P&G), Mr. Mokutima Ajileye, made a donation of N7.5 million in support of children amputees.
Ajileye, represented by Mr. Dare Fadeji, Supply Chain Manager for the Company, said that P&G believes that PWDs are limitless in spite of their disabilities.
Also, the Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Disability, Mrs. Adenike Lawal, lent her voice in support of children amputees with a call for an inclusive society.
NAN reports that people from all walks of life defied the Saturday rain to participate in the walk in Ikoyi, Lagos state.
