By Ajewole Tosin

To sensitize the public on children with amputations as a result of congenital issues or accidents, an annual awareness walk organised by The IREDE Foundation, tagged, “Out on a Limb”, was held  in 30 locations in the country to mark the 4th edition of the campaign.

Fielding questions from newsmen, the founder of the organisation, Mrs.Chigbu Crystal, stated: “The essence of the walk is to create hope and awareness for child amputees, which is done yearly to reduce societal stigmatization, and give care to people with these conditions. Children between the ages of 0-18 years qualify to be members as they are our target beneficiaries.

“In the first year, only two limbs were achievable, in 2014, 10 limbs, 2015, 16 limbs and the foundation is looking forward to carry out 30 prosthetic limbs this year”. Each limb is said to cost 1.5 million naira per child,and a child needs a minimum of two limbs per year according to stages. The foundation receives support from some state governments, individuals and the Nigerian Network of NGOs.

The founder, inspired by her seven-year-old daughter, Irede Beulah Chigbu, born with congenital limb deformity, further stated: “Children in such situation battle with stigmatization; moreover  prosthesis can be very expensive and without it, these children won’t be able to fit in the community as they would not be able to live independently as their other counterparts”.

Ace comedian, Alibaba, while soliciting for peoples support by spreading the word across social media, explained that people with these challenges should not be pitied but rather be understood.

This year’s walk was attended by about 1,000 participants, including celebrities like, Ali Baba and on air presenter Yaw of Wazobia FM.

Individuals are  encouraged to refer any child with limb loss within their immediate environment. To donate funds for this cause, you can do so through  Account name: The Irede Foundation,  Bank name:   Zenith Bank- 1013800034