I need N3m to rise again, spinal cord injury patient cries out to Akwa Ibom govt

By IDONGESIT ASHAMERI, Uyo

Elizabeth James Udofia, graduate of Accounting from the University of Calabar, has cried out to Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State to help out with the sum of N3 million to enable her undergo a spi­nal cord surgery.

Elizabeth, an applicant, who hails from Ikot Oku Nsit in Nsit Ibom Lo­cal Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, said she has written several letters seeking help from relevant state government agencies, but to no avail.

Speaking with our correspondent in Uyo on Tuesday, Miss Udofia who could neither walk nor seat straight said she sustained the injury after involvement in an auto crash in Oc­tober 2012 while traveling in a com­mercial bus (Agofure Motors) from Warri to Asaba in Delta State.

Udofia who also appealed to cor­porate organisations and public spirited individ­uals to come to her aid to enable her undergo the surgical opera­tions, regretted that the accident which occurred just after her NYSC denied her the opportunity to practise the Accounting she studied in school.

“While some of the passengers lost their lives, I, along with other passengers who had injuries were rushed to Ozora General Hospital in Delta where we were admitted. I was discharged seven days later.

“The pains resurfaced and become more severe when I got involved in another auto crash early this year. I cannot walk straight, I cannot seat straight, and all I do is lie down. That is why I am appealing to His Excel­lency, Governor Udom Emmanuel, his wife, Dr. Martha Emmanuel, and other public spirited individuals to come to my aid,” she said.

Udofia’s medical report from Ibom Specialist Hospital, Uyo, and dated April 12, 2021 revealed that she has tenderness along the Lumbar spine and significant impairment in her gait.

Her MRI report revealed multilev­el disc degeneration with disc pro­lapse at L4/L5 with the central and foraminal stenosis. A diagnosis of L4/L5 Disc prolapse with radiculop­athy and instability was made.

The proposed surgery is estimated to cost 3,000,000. She could be reached on GSM number 08032476923. (Daily Independent)