Four months after emerging as the sole survivor of a ghastly road crash along the Lagos-Sagamu Expressway, Mrs. Deborah Okelekan is appealing to well-meaning Nigerians, politicians, and philanthropists for N2.5 million to undergo a final surgery that will enable her to walk again.
Mrs Okelekan, who suffered multiple injuries in the accident, has been receiving treatment at Oyo State Hospital, Oyo town, where she has undergone multiple surgeries, remaining that of the leg being held with iron.
She has spent millions of naira on the surgeries.
She now needs about N2.5 million for the final surgical procedure.
The prolonged treatment has left her facing severe pain and mounting financial challenges, with the possibility of losing her leg if she is unable to receive the required medical attention.
Mrs Okelekan was initially taken to the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Ago-Iwoye, for treatment following the accident but was later moved to the State Hospital, Oyo town, after she could no longer cope with the medical expenses.
A medical social worker attached to the patient, Mr Ayodeji Awolola, explained the circumstances surrounding her treatment and the urgent need for assistance.
“Mrs Deborah Okelekan was admitted to our hospital with multiple fractures at both upper limbs and right elbow. She has gone through emergency care, blood transfusion and surgery. As at May she was brought here, she went through surgical operations for the femur, for the elbow and for the left lower limb and we thank God she is recuperating.”
“We are left with the left lower limb, where there is a gap between the bones. Between the tibia and the fibula, there are some gaps that need another surgical operation. That is why we are asking for your help.”
“Now, she is conscious and in a lot of pain, still very vulnerable. We are appealing to members of the public to stand with Mrs Okelekan as regarding the next surgical operation and also the post-operative drugs. Your support will go directly towards her treatment, drugs, wounds care and getting her back on her feet.“
Some students of Medical Social Work from Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, who are currently undertaking their practicum at the hospital, also spoke about Okelekan’s condition and her experience during the prolonged period of treatment.
An officer at the Accident and Emergency Unit of the hospital, Mr Oyebamiji Salami, also appealed for support for Okelekan.
Mr Salami described her response to the earlier surgeries and treatment as encouraging, expressing optimism that she would have a successful final operation if the required financial support was provided on time.
Mrs Okelekan, therefore appealed to individuals, organisations, politicians and philanthropists to come to her aid and enable her undergo the final surgery and continue her journey towards recovery.
Speaking in Yoruba, she pleaded, “I seek the help of all well-meaning Nigerians and philanthropists to undergo this surgery. My prayer is that your children will not become orphans, and you will never be tied down by circumstances like a helpless goat.”
Members of the public willing to support her treatment can make donations to the account below:
Account Name: Okelekan Deborah
Bank: Access Bank
Account Number: 1579514303
