Charles Bassey: How Otedola’s foundation aided my recovery from spinal cord ailment

Charles Bassey, ex-Nigerian international and football coach, has narrated how the Femi Otedola Foundation came to his aid amid his battle with a protracted ailment.

In an interview with Vanguard, Bassey said he could not walk before now due to the spinal cord ailment which left him bedridden for a long time.

He said efforts to get financial help to enable him to get proper medical attention proved abortive.

“I could not move on my own. I was helpless as countless letters I wrote seeking help yielded nothing. Even my state government, the Akwa Ibom state government would not even reply to my appeals. I resigned to fate, waiting for the worst,” he said.

The former technical director of Akwa United, however, said the narrative has changed since the intervention of the foundation.

Bassey, who is currently receiving treatment at the Ibom Specialist Hospital in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, said he his health condition has witnessed significant improvement.

He explained that the foundation had already cleared his outstanding medical bills and paid upfront for six-month for his treatment.

Bassey also said he can now walk with the aid of a stick. He added that the medical personnel also assured him he would be able to walk unaided again after treatment is completed.

He expressed his gratitude to Femi Otedola, chairman of the foundation, for his support and efforts towards influencing lives positively.

“I can walk now, but I walk with the aid of a walking stick. The hospital is now carrying out what they call Conservative Management of my ailing spinal cord. I go to the hospital Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for treatment,” he added.

“The treatment will last for six months and at the end of it all, I am told, I will be able to walk again, unaided. This has been paid for upfront by the Foundation. He is godsend and I wished there were more Nigerians like him. I am still in shock for what he has done for me and many other Nigerians.”

He also appreciated Adokiye Amiesimaka, former Nigerian international, for supporting him.

“Adokiye has been like a pillar for me. I want to use this medium to thank them all for keeping me alive to this day,” he added.

Otedola’s foundation is renowned for its philanthropic works. The foundation had in the past helped several prominent Nigerians including Christian Chukwu, Peter Fregene, late Majek Fashek, Victor Olaotan, late Sadiq Daba, and Inih Ebong.