I just want to walk again, ex-corps member seeks help after accident left her paralysed
A Nigerian woman, Eniola, has shared how a road accident while returning from the National Youth Service Corps orientation camp left her with a spinal cord injury that altered the course of her life.
Her story, shared in an emotional TikTok video by a close friend, has since gone viral, drawing sympathy and support from many Nigerians online.
Speaking in the video, Eniola said the accident occurred in 2021 while she was travelling home after leaving the NYSC orientation camp in Akwa Ibom State due to illness.
“In 2021, I had an accident when I was coming back from NYSC camp. I was supposed to go to Akwa Ibom State and I got sick after like two weeks in camp, so they asked me to go home. On my way back, I had an accident and I was the only survivor. The accident affected my spinal cord and since then, I’ve been like this,” she said.
According to her, the injury left her paralysed from below the chest, making it impossible for her to walk or move her legs.
“I can’t move my legs. I can’t walk. It’s going to be five years by December. I lost sensation from below my breast downward. I can’t feel my body at all. I’ve also been battling bedsores,” she said.
Eniola further alleged that in her search for treatment, she encountered individuals who claimed they could treat spinal cord injuries but failed to provide the help they promised.
Over the years, I’ve seen so many doctors and quacks, and a lot of them have even scammed me. Some of them that don’t even know anything about spinal cord injuries would make promises they couldn’t fulfil. Eventually, one of my toes was amputated and since then my leg experiences sensations like electric shocks,” she revealed.
The former corps member also disclosed that the emotional and physical challenges associated with her condition became overwhelming at different points during her recovery journey.
Despite the difficulties, Eniola said she remains grateful for surviving the accident and continues to hold on to hope for recovery.
“I’m grateful. I’m really grateful honestly because that’s like a second chance for me and I know things will get better for me,” she said.
Appealing to members of the public for support, she called on Nigerians to assist with funds for her treatment and rehabilitation.
“This is me begging for help. I need people to support me and donate towards my treatment. I really want to get better. I believe I’m going to walk again. I believe God will make it happen. Please help in any way you can.
“If I can walk again, that would be a dream come true. I’ll be so happy. I’ll be grateful to God and to Nigerians. I’ll be grateful to everyone who helped me. I don’t even mind walking slowly. I just want to walk,” she added.