It was a season of joy, singing and giving praises to God on Monday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, as family and friends gathered to watch young Ali Ahmadu, who three months ago was rolled into a plane on a wheelchair on his way to Dubai for medical treatment, walk out of another plane unaided.
The boy, who was a victim of Boko Haram raid in Chibok community of Borno State had been on wheelchair for the past four years, but can now walk after three months of delicate surgery in Dubai, the United Arab Emirate. Young Ali, who arrived with his aunt, Hannatu Madu, the Coordinator of Global Initiative for Peace, Love and Care (GIPLC), Nuhu Kwajafa and representatives of Dickens Sanomi Foundation, who sponsored the treatment, was beaming with smile as he moved about freely amid hugging and handshake with many people.
Ali Before the surgery
In a smattering English laced with Hausa, he said “I am fine”. He stunned the crowd when he said his main aspiration was to become a policeman in order “to save people from harm.”
But young Ali had more coming for him, as Taleveras Foundation announced that he will enjoy their scholarship from primary school up to the university level.
An elated Chairman of Dickens Sanomi Foundation, Mr. Igho Sanomi (who is also the owner of Taleveras Group), sponsors of the trip, said: “About three months ago, we all witnessed at this same airport, Ali Ahmadu being taken away on a wheel chair, today to the glory of God, we are here to receive Ali Ahmadu, walking handsomely into our arms.
“What started as a painful journey for little Ali after his Boko Haram attack in Chibok, four years ago that confined him to a wheel chair has transformed into a journey of hope, love and care.
“Dickens Sanomi Foundation, is backed by the principle of love and care, one that was practiced and preached by late Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Mr Dickens Sanomi, today we demonstrate these principles by being our neighbours’ keepers and teaching love by showing it.
“Dickens Sanomi Foundation will be working with Ali’s family through GIPLC and will be supporting Ali post surgery life as we help him settle into Abuja, to grow as a child with love and care.
“I am authorised to announce that an Educational Scholarship will be provided for Ali, until he gets to University by the Taleveras Foundation. May God bless you all.” On his part, the Coordinator of GIPLC, Mr. Nuhu Kwajafa, said: “About four years ago, in a small village at Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State, a toddler named Ali Ahmadu Chibok fell victim to one of Boko Harams murderous invasions.
“That fateful night, he suffered excruciating pains all over his body, brought upon him by the senseless marauders. They crushed everything/everyone in their path, severely damaging his still forming vertebral column in the process, but the hand of God preserved Ali, so we may give glory to His name.
“Since that incident, the little boy never accessed any form of orthodox medication. He was at the mercy of traditionalist, in highly unpredictable and perilous times. Obviously, during this period, access to education, nutrition, psychosocial tuning, water, sanitation or hygiene, was very limited, if not nonexistent.
“He was immobile and fast deteriorating, physically and mentally, from that period till the 1st quarter of this year 2017, when GIPLC (Global Initiative for Peace, Love and Care) made contact with him.
The organisation facilitated the relevant examinations and digital/lab tests, for assessment and proper medical attention. “The results revealed that he couldn’t access the quality care required, to literally realign him towards a better quality of life, hence the decision to make prerequisite travel arrangements, to travel abroad.
“After duly assessing the various options open to us, from all over the world, we resolved to take him to the UAE. After almost 6 hours of extremely delicate surgery, about a week in ICU and a month in recovery, Ali took his first steps into a brighter future.
“He has been in the UAE, being monitored, as he recuperates and to God’s Glory, Ali who left this airport on a wheel chair couple of months ago is back before you today on his two feet, looking handsome and ready to start his new life.
“GIPLC is committed to Ali’s post-surgery well being and have received confirmation from Dickens Sanomi Foundation to support his settling in the society and will provide him an Educational scholarship as he settles in Abuja. “Thank you to all Nigerians and to everyone who has supported this Journey,” he said.
