Nigerian Sickle Cell Amputee Cries Out over Failed Promises by First Lady
A young Nigerian woman, Yetunde who was forced to undergo amputation due to complications from sickle cell disease, has spoken out about the “broken promises” made to her by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, and the wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun.
The woman, whose name is Yetunde, had her right leg amputated in 2020 due to the debilitating effects of sickle cell disease, which she has been living with since birth. Despite her condition, Yetunde has been an advocate for sickle cell awareness and has been seeking support from government officials and well-meaning Nigerians to help her access better medical care and prosthetic limbs.
According to Yetunde, she had reached out to Senator Tinubu and Mrs. Abiodun, seeking their assistance in accessing medical care and financial support. She claimed that both women had promised to help her, but so far, none of their promises have been fulfilled.
“I was introduced to Senator Tinubu by a mutual friend, and she promised to help me get a prosthetic limb and access to better medical care,” Yetunde said in an interview. “She even invited me to her office in Abuja, where she repeated her promise to help me. But since then, I have not heard from her or her office.”
Yetunde also claimed that Mrs. Abiodun had made similar promises to her, but had also failed to deliver. “I met Mrs. Abiodun at an event in Ogun State, and she promised to help me get a prosthetic limb and access to medical care. She even gave me her phone number and told me to call her anytime I needed help. But when I called her, she didn’t pick up, and her aides kept telling me that she was busy.”
Yetunde’s story has sparked outrage on social media, with many Nigerians calling on Senator Tinubu and Mrs. Abiodun to fulfill their promises to the young woman. The hashtag #HelpYetunde has been trending on Twitter, with many users sharing Yetunde’s story and demanding that the two women take action to help her.
In response to the backlash, Senator Tinubu’s office released a statement saying that they were “looking into the matter” and would “do everything possible to assist Yetunde.” However, Mrs. Abiodun’s office has yet to respond to the allegations.
Yetunde’s case highlights the challenges faced by people living with sickle cell disease in Nigeria, where access to medical care and support is often limited. It also raises questions about the role of government officials and public figures in supporting vulnerable members of society.
“I just want to be able to live a normal life, free from pain and suffering,” Yetunde said. “I hope that Senator Tinubu and Mrs. Abiodun will fulfill their promises to me and help me access the medical care and support that I need.”
Following the outcry on social media, Senator Tinubu’s office has released a statement saying that they will provide Yetunde with a prosthetic limb and access to medical care. Mrs. Abiodun’s office has also released a statement, saying that they will provide Yetunde with financial support and access to medical care.
Yetunde has expressed gratitude to Senator Tinubu and Mrs. Abiodun for their promises, but says that she will not rest until she receives the support that she needs. “I am grateful for their promises, but I will not forget the struggles that I have faced,” she said. “I hope that their promises will be fulfilled, and that I will be able to live a better life.”
