Momoh Umar Momoh, Benin
The Irede Foundation has offered to provide free prosthetic limbs to 200 children with limb loss across the country.
Mr Peter Onyekwuo, Lead Advocate of the foundation who disclosed this during an awareness walk on Saturday in Benin City, Edo State put the cost of the free 200 limbs to an average of N300 million.
The awareness walk, tagged “Out on a Limb 2025”, took place along the Oluku axis of the city and attracted volunteers, donors, and advocates
Onyekwuo said the project targeted children between the ages of 0 and 18 years who needed limbs but could afford them.
According to him, the Irede Foundation hoped to reach at least 200 children across Nigeria through the support of donors and corporate sponsors in 2025.
“An artificial limb costs over N1.5 million in hospitals, but Irede Foundation offers it free”, he said.
While noting that this year’s theme is ‘Full Access, No Cap, ’ meaning there’s no limitation for any child,” Onyekwuo opined that limb loss should not stop any child from going to school or pursuing their dreams.
He added that the awareness was part of a global movement taking place simultaneously in 60 locations, including the U.S, Dubai, and Dublin.
He also added that this year made it the 12th edition of the Out on a Limb awareness campaign in the country, while it is either the second or third time it is taking place in Edo state.
Onyekwuo, however, lamented that despite the awareness, the foundation was yet to get any child beneficiaries in Edo state.
“I’ve not seen any child referred to us yet. When I was in Ebonyi and Lokoja, children got limbs.
“But here in Benin, we’re still waiting. That’s why we keep advocating.
“We want children in Edo to benefit too. Let one get it and become a testimony for others,” he added.
The lead advocate acknowledged support from companies like UPS; however, he encouraged individuals to donate and help children live full lives.
