The Ogun State First Lady, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, has offered support to a sickle cell amputee, Balikis Salami, after reading the latter’s story in Saturday PUNCH.
Salami’s touching story was titled ‘I prayed for death when I had a crisis – Sickle cell amputee’.
Upon reading the story, Abiodun reached out to Salami and paid a visit to the latter’s home in Irolu, Ikenne Local Government Area of the state.
The story of the governor’s wife’s visit to Salami was contained in a statement by her Press Secretary, Kemi Oyeleye, and made available to our correspondent.
The statement partly read, “The wife of the Ogun State Governor, Her Excellency, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, was alerted to a story in the Punch Newspapers of Saturday, January 20th, 2024, about a young lady, Balikis Salami, who, at the young age of 24, had her arm amputated due to sickle cell anaemia.
“On reading about the case, the wife of the governor and her team quickly swung into action and located the family house of Balikis in Irolu town, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State.
“The wife of the governor visited the young lady and her family, pledging to support her rehabilitation and proper integration into society through proper care for her arm.
“She also pledged to support Bahikis through a cash grant to support her clothing business, while offering to train and educate her on her chosen trade.”
The statement quoted the first lady as saying, “Immediately I read Balikis’ story in the Punch Newspapers, I was deeply moved by her plight, because not only has she had to deal with the sickle cell disease, but she also now has to face the social stigma from society because of the amputation of her arm.”
According to the statement, Abiodun expressed happiness and relief that she was able to intervene in Salami’s situation.
Appreciating PUNCH and the author of the story, the First Lady added, “I am happy that journalists continue to shine a light on issues that people are facing so that those who can intervene can get a chance too. I encourage others to do the same.”
Mrs Abiodun was received by Salami and her family members who appreciated the support of the First Lady for the direct and practical approach to addressing their needs.
Salami had to drop out of school twice and forfeit her plans to travel abroad due to sickle cell complications.
Salami also narrated how her mother, Abolanle Salami, sold her car, land, and business while gathering funds for the amputation of her arm.
“The money that my mum was saving to send me abroad was used for my treatment. She borrowed money and I got support from some people I met online. My mum did not only sell her car but also sold her land, the freezers, and the generator she wanted to use for her frozen food business. We were left with nothing,” Balikis said.
Confirming the First Lady’s visit, Balikis, in a phone chat with our correspondent on Wednesday, said that Abiodun and other government officials visited her home with foodstuffs and a cash gift of N100,000.
She also added that plans were underway to get her into a health insurance scheme, so she could receive treatments any time she had crisis.
She said, “When they visited, they asked me what I wanted, and I told them about my mother’s frozen food business. The First Lady asked if I also mentioned I wanted to travel out of the country and I said, yes. Then they said they’ll get back to me. During the visit, I received a bag of rice, a hamper (full of provisions), and a cash gift of N100,000.
“I received a call from them on Tuesday that I should send my details for my health insurance. They said they will bring something for me that I will take to the General Hospital anytime I have a crisis.”
Balikis further thanked PUNCH for bringing her story to light and impacting her family.
