..Begs Tinubu, Adeleke for Assistance
By Tunde Adeleke
A 47-year-old man diagnosed with Generalised Dystonia, Akeem Folorunso, has called on President Bola Tinubu, Governor Ademola Adeleke, and other well-meaning Nigerians for help, over the cost of treatment.
Akeem, a native of Ila-Orangun, who resides in Osogbo, revealed that his condition has not only robbed him of his physical strength but has also left him emotionally shattered.
Generalized dystonia, a movement disorder where involuntary muscle contractions cause twisting, repetitive movements, and abnormal postures, affects many parts of the body including the trunk and limbs.
The journey to Folorunsho’s place, located on Adeyi road, Ido-Osun area of Osun takes you to a small bungalow. Entering into his room, you are confronted with those vestiges of the hard life he has lived over more than two decades with the medical condition.
A disused motorised wheelchair, tattered chairs and personal belongings haphazardly strewn across the room tells you Folorunsho has seen very bad times.
While speaking with our correspondent, he stressed that his health status has made it difficult for him to work; leaving him with no source of income and limited access to medical care, which has made his condition worsened.
He stressed that he relies solely on the goodwill of neighbours and strangers for daily survival.
While recounting his ordeal, he said the sickness started with a mere headache about 25 years ago and later escalated which led to memory loss.
He narrated, “I wasn’t born like this; my condition began about 26 years ago when I woke up from sleep with a severe headache. We tried many treatments because it escalated to the point where I couldn’t talk, stand, or even sit. Essentially, I was unable to do anything.
“When we reached the hospital, the doctor advised us to take the treatment seriously so that my condition wouldn’t worsen. At that time, my parents couldn’t afford the expensive treatment, so they decided to pursue local remedies instead.
“Fortunately, after starting local treatment, I experienced significant improvements. I regained the ability to talk, stand, and do many things I had previously been unable to do.
“As I started to feel better, I wanted to travel back to my base. I mentioned to my visitors that they should help me get a bus to Lagos. Then my fiancé came to visit and promised to arrange a bus for me, and that was the last time I saw her, because she saw the situation I was.
“This experience worsened my condition, leading me to lose my memory. For about seven days, I was unable to speak or do anything, and to this day, I still have not regained those memories.
“A lot happened after that. When I moved to Osogbo, they wanted to continue the local treatment, but I declined. The doctor warned that if I didn’t receive appropriate treatment on time, my situation would worsen. This was around 2007.
“After undergoing various tests and examinations, the doctor diagnosed me with generalized dystonia. He informed me that no equipment was available in the country to provide the necessary treatment. I would need to travel abroad for the treatment, which would cost 5 million Naira as of 2007 and take approximately three months.
“I began reaching out to people for assistance, including contacting the then-Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, before the government changed.
“I didn’t stop there; I also approached the Aregbesola government. I must confess that the wife of the then-governor, Alhaji Sherifat Aregbesola, did her best to help me meet the governor, but unfortunately, it didn’t happen due to his busy schedule.
“Alhaji Sherifat even gave me money for medication and did everything she could to support me.
“I have sent several letters seeking assistance from both the Oyetola Administration and the current Adeleke government.”
Amidst the growing rising cost of drugs in the country, Akeem further lamented how inflation has affected his ability to afford his medications monthly.
He said, “With the rising cost of medications, I find myself unable to afford my prescriptions. Previously, my monthly medication cost N60,000, but now it costs no less than N350,000. This increase has negatively impacted my health; I am in pain and unable to work. I don’t have any source of income, and my parents are elderly, I don’t even see family members, so I rely on neighbors and strangers for support.
“There are days when I can’t even afford to eat because I have no money or food. Can you imagine being in this situation without food and essential medications?
“I live alone because I don’t have a wife and I don’t have any children, it’s not easy at all.
“I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Governor Ademola Adeleke, and other compassionate Nigerians to help me by sponsoring my treatment. This pain is overwhelming and unbearable.”