By Adadareporters
An Abuja-based business man, Mr Okechukwu Ugwu, Friday, called on well-meaning Nigerians, especially the authorities of Igboeze North LGA, Enugu State government and lovers of humanity to come to his aid following a strange ailment that has confined him in his village for over two years.
Okechukwu Ugwu hails from Ogbodu, Enugu-Ezike in Igboeze North LGA. Ugwu was an auto technician based in Abuja before the strange ailment struck him.
“I’ve been bedridden for over two years,” says he. “It started in Abuja, and all efforts to treat it failed. I then relocated to my village, especially because the cost of living was getting out of hand in Abuja. I specialise in repairing vehicle clutch plates and brake kits.”
Ugwu narrates how the sickness started: “One Sunday, I felt strange pains across my abdomen. Then I began to experience cough, hiccups, difficulties in breathing and general chest pains. When it persisted, I returned to my village. It got better, and I thought the danger was over. I returned to Abuja, hoping that I had gotten better. But it returned not quite long, forcing me to relocate to my village finally. I have been under this condition since then.”
Ugwu borrows to get treated, according to him. “This illness has taken me to orthodox and unorthodox hospitals, as well as prayer houses. I have exhausted all I have, including selling my landed property in Abuja and in my village.”
In his words, “We are currently getting treatment at a specialist hospital, Nsukka. The doctor said it affected my liver. But the cost of drugs is very expensive. The specialist doctors have been trying their best. Money has been a major issue. But people are trying for me. My friends, my club members, family members and well-wishers have not abandoned me. A lot has been spent. I have sold my house in Abuja. Nothing is remaining any longer.
“I am begging well-meaning Nigerians and agencies to come to my aid. Without drugs, I am as good as gone. God is still keeping me alive through His mercies. I need help even to feed because I eat recommended diet only. Things are getting expensive by the day.”
Okechukwu’s wife, Ifeoma, says her husband’s ailment has brought untold hardship to the family, including making their children’s education unsteady. She however expresses optimism that with God all things are possible.
She said, “This sickness has really dealt with my husband and indeed all of us. We have done everything humanly possible. Whoever has the solution to this ailment should come forward with it. It has defied every solution. We believe God to save us from these pains. I was doing some business in Abuja before this sickness became this critical. But I can’t leave him in the village because he requires special care.”
Dr Ifechukwu Sylvester is a medical doctor. He said Okechukwu’s health challenges should be referred to a teaching hospital: “By his medical records, he has what is called Congestive Cardiac Failure and Chronic Liver Disease. He needs a special care, mostly obtainable at a tertiary hospital where he would get the services of cardiologists and gastro-enterologists. It is treatable, especially at the early stages.”
Okechukwu Ugwu could be reached on 08062624250 and 08064309199. He could be assisted financially via account number 0774931059, GTB, account name: Ifeoma Elizabeth Iziga (his wife).
