Nigeria: Bloggers and Tweeps #SavedOke
Local netizens fought for the legs and the life of diabetic youth Oke and won the battle to keep him alive through social media advocacy. The successful #SaveOke campaign is another evidence of the rising power of social media in Africa’s most populous country. Posted by Nwachukwu Egbunike on 18/04/2012.
Ighiwoto Okeghene John is a young Nigerian who nearly lost not only his feet but his life to diabetes. Better put, #Oke almost “embraced” his ancestors because his financial state prevented him from getting basic medical attention. The #SaveOke campaign was ignited by some Nigerian bloggers and tweeps – spearheaded by Linda Ikeji to save Oke’s life. #SavedOke cyber-advocacy is one more proof of the rising power of social media in Africa’s most populous country.
Who is #Oke? The protagonist of this story in his own words: My name is Ighiwoto Okeoghene John. I attended Federal Government College, Warri. Gained admission into Obafemi Awolowo University. Like many young people but unlike most, I could not finish. I was diagnosed with Diabetes 1 and 2. My health started failing. My legs failed me. I had this wound that ate my toes that refused to heal. Just like many of you, in January 2012, I was angry with the country that didn’t have the best health care services, a country where I had to pay so much for my injections of insulin which I took daily. I was angry I could hardly keep to the diet my doctor gave me because it was expensive. I was angry yet I could not go out to march. I could not even walk. For six years now, my legs have failed me, they cannot move me; I cannot move them. My health is failing me but I keep up all hope that I will be fine. There are some things you do not choose in life; the family you are born into; the country you are born into; your genes; the sicknesses passed through those genes. I cannot change these. You cannot change this but, there is something you can change. Something you can save; my legs; my life. I need 5million naira for an operation in India. I need you to get me out of this couch. Truth is the couch is getting tired of me too. The wood from the edge that I use as pillow now pains me in the head, from wear and tear. Truth is my body is getting tired, getting weak. I need to get my life back. I need your help.
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