NewStats: 3,262,548 , 8,177,446 topics. Date: Monday, 02 June 2025 at 04:54 PM 3o564e

Balikis Salami, a sickle cell amputee, speaks to AJIBADE OMAPE about her life after amputation made her drop out of school, and how her story attracted the attention of Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs Remi Tinubu, and the wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, who promised to assist her.

You were about to enter ND 2 when you were amputated. Have you tried going back to school since then?

No, I have not gone back. My right arm was amputated, and I didn’t know how to use my left arm to do things like writing, and the pain affected me mentally. Right now, I tend to forget things easily. Even if I want to type something on my phone, I will start typing it and suddenly forget. I need to calm down to what I want to type again.

So, the situation has affected me, just like when someone is traumatised. It has affected me mentally because I carried the wound for almost four years before the first amputation. They amputated my right arm twice.


When they first amputated it, something covered it and prevented it from healing, and we waited for almost six months, but still, it did not heal. So, the doctors told my mum they would need to re-amputate.

That’s why my arm is short like this. The first time they amputated, it was below my elbow. Then the second time, they had to go above the elbow.

How have you been coping since the amputation of your right arm?

It’s my mum who has been helping. It has not been easy for us. I was on Instagram before, but I don’t know what happened to my . I lost access to it, and I dropped it. I’ve opened TikTok before. Sometimes I post on it. Sometimes, by the end of the year, I edit pictures together and post that I’m thankful to God that I can see another year. That’s how I gained my followers. People say, ‘This girl is strong.’

Have you faced any form of discrimination or stigma from friends and family since your arm was amputated?

My cousins don’t associate with me. I currently stay alone. After my amputation, they became distant from me, saying I’m smelling. Even my best friend, who is from the same town as me — when we both gained ission, her mother did not have time for her, it was my mum who went with her.

We rented a house together and bought everything. But when everything started, she left. Up till now, we have been friends since secondary school. But I don’t blame her. What was I expecting from a friend when my cousins, my blood relatives, neglected me?

My cousins and I always went out together, flexing around and doing things. When we were on holiday, we did our hair together, wore the same clothes and did everything together. Now, nothing like that — they don’t associate with me anymore.

Apart from you and your late brother, do you have any other siblings who suffer from sickle cell?

No, aside from my late brother, I’m the only one with sickle cell; my other three siblings don’t have it.


How did you feel when the wife of the Ogun State Governor reached out to you?

I was the happiest person in the world. That my help did not just come from the state; it came from the federal level. I felt God had answered my prayers. It was the First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs Remi Tinubu, who first read about me in The PUNCH.

Then someone was sent to me and confirm my claims. So, they called me on the phone, asked for my name and address, and I directed them. The people came to our house and told me it was the First Lady of Nigeria who sent them to confirm whether I was real or not.

They left my house, and after a few hours, I got a call from them saying they were coming over to my place again. I had no idea that the First Lady of Ogun State was coming to my house. I saw an ambulance and police escorts; they arrived at our house. We were all nervous.

When they came, they told me not to worry again, and they asked what I wanted. I informed them that my mum had sold all her houses; we had one left, although it was an uncompleted building that needed roofing and finishing. I said that if they could help us, even if it was just two rooms, and help my mum open a shop on the remaining land in front.

Then they asked what I wanted, and I said I wanted to travel out of the country because that was why my mum abandoned the house project just before the incident happened. She had planned to open a frozen food shop, roof the house, and do the necessary things. But then she had to abandon it.

My mum buys goods and sells them in Lagos. She buys vegetables and other food items. So, I told them I would like to accomplish my goal, and that I wished to travel. I specifically told them to do everything in their capacity to help take care of my mum because my mum had high blood pressure already and had sold her property.

My mum had purchased deep freezers and a generator for her frozen food business, but it was all gone. The car she used to move her goods was to be sold at N1.5m, but the buyer got information that we needed money and offered N500,000, saying that was all he had and he had nothing more to add.

We had no choice but to accept it. Even the house that we were in, someone rented for us, and my mum was worried about how we would pay for another year. I have high blood pressure, but it’s not that high, and I’m still young. So, I didn’t want to start using high blood pressure drugs.

What did the wife of the Ogun State Governor promise you?

They came with several radio stations, interviewed us and asked us all we wanted. They promised to provide an artificial arm for me and told me to stop worrying. They promised to assist us with everything we needed. When the First Lady was about to leave, she asked my mother what country she would like me to travel to, and my mum told her that the US or Canada would be okay. They spoke to us at length and left.


A while later, I received a call and was told that the First Lady asked them to give me N5m. I was not sure if it was the First Lady of Ogun State or the First Lady, Mrs Remi Tinubu — they are both First Ladies. Two days later, my mum returned from her usual market and called one of the people who had accompanied the First Lady to our house to come around.

We immediately went to my mum’s uncompleted building and started to work on it while they made video evidence that work had commenced on the said house. My mum urged the representatives of the First Lady to show the video to her and let her know that the money given to us was being used for the appropriate purpose. The building was roofed, and the compound was properly filled.

You were asked to go for an examination to get an artificial arm. After your assessment, did you get the artificial arm as promised?


Yes, I was asked to go to Olabisi Onabanjo Teaching Hospital to examine my arm. Shortly after, we were given N5 million. I was called and given N10,000 to transport myself to the hospital for the examination. I was asked to go to the office of the Chief Medical Director. The secretary of the CMD directed me to the office of the social worker, who took me to the centre where my arm was measured for an artificial one.

My arm was measured, and I left and went home. After some time, I called the social worker, but she told me the artificial arm wasn’t ready. After waiting for almost six months, I called the social worker again, but I was told that I would have to call the people who referred me to them.

I started to send messages and made calls to the numbers I was ed with by the representatives of the First Lady. I stopped after a while and gave up. But after some time, I decided to call one of the numbers, and the person reminded me that I had been given N5 million.

I was surprised at the statement because that was not what I discussed with the First Lady. The person responded and said my file was on the table and that I would be attended to once it was opened. Whenever I called any of them, I did not get welcoming responses.

Do you believe the First Lady has forgotten about you?

I don’t know. I can’t say for sure, but I understand the First Ladies are busy with issues of the state and the country. I am not calling anyone out, but if I was told that the N5m was all I would be given, I would accept my fate. I thought when the First Lady reached out to me, all my problems were sorted.

Have you been able to start any business or trade since your amputation?


I have not been able to start any business; my mum has been taking goods on credit because of a lack of funds. She usually stays at home because she doesn’t have the money to purchase items to sell.

A woman on TikTok helped me with some money, and we used it to buy sand to do some work at my mum’s house. It has not been easy. We have yet to move into the house because there are no windows, and I can’t stay there because I would get sick easily.

For over a year, you were told that your file had been on the table. Do you believe that the First Lady’s team is deliberately delaying your response?

I have no idea. I asked if the video that was made when we were working on the house had been given to the First Lady, and I was told I was rude for asking such a question. I just know that it has been over a year, and nothing has happened except for the N5m that was given for the house. It has not been easy for us.

Is the given to you from TikTok enough to take care of your bills?

It is not enough at all. Firstly, my mum has some debts because of the amputation of my arm. Secondly, whenever we get donations, we only use them for what they can cover because there are so many things pending.

Sometimes on TikTok Live, people promise me huge amounts of money, and they don’t send it. But people on the live video will think I have been given so much. Some people just use me to show off without doing anything. But many people send what they can afford.


You once said some people called you a beggar. Why is that so?

Some people have accused me of owning cars and houses, claiming that I use my amputated arm to scam people. I have been called several names in the course of seeking help. It’s traumatising.

If the First Lady had not come into the picture, I would not be this worried. But when she came into the picture, I felt that all my problems had come to an end.

What advice do you have for parents who have kids suffering from sickle cell anaemia?

Sickle cell anaemia is a bad thing. I do not wish anyone to have children with such. It’s not a sickness that has a cure; it stays with the victim for life. I do not pray that anyone gives birth to children with it, because the person would continue to spend, and the sickness will not go away. People who are both AS should not get married to avoid giving birth to sickle cell children.

What do you want the government and the public to do for you?

I would love the government to fulfil its promise. We discussed so many things, and I would be so happy if they could bring all those promises to fruition. I have nowhere to run to at the moment.

I know the First Lady, Mrs Remi Tinubu, and the Ogun State First Lady, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, are busy looking after the country and the state, but I would love them to come to my aid. I am not calling them out but simply seeking their assistance.

Source: https://punchng.com/I-thought-my-problems-were-over-when-Nigerias-First-Lady-promised-to-help-me-Sickle-cell-patient

Promise and fail is a sin

NOTE: This post is a general advice to all of us on the power of a promise. It's not directed against the First Lady.


On a bitterly cold night, a billionaire was walking through the streets when he encountered an old, poor man shivering in the cold. The billionaire, dressed in his warm, luxurious coat, couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for the man. He approached him and asked, "Don't you feel cold being outside without a coat?"

The old man looked up, his eyes reflecting years of hardship and resilience. "I don't have a coat," he replied, "but I've gotten used to the cold."

The billionaire, moved by the man's plight, said, "Wait here. I'll go inside my house and bring you a coat." The old man's face lit up with hope and gratitude. "Thank you," he said, "I'll wait for you."

The billionaire hurried into his grand mansion, intending to fetch a coat for the old man. However, once inside, he got distracted by the warmth and comfort of his home. He became engrossed in his evening routine, enjoying a hot meal and the company of his family. The promise he made to the old man slipped from his mind.

The night grew colder, and the old man waited patiently outside, his hope keeping him warm. Hours ed, and the cold began to seep into his bones. He clung to the promise of the coat, believing that help was on its way. But as the night wore on, his strength waned, and he succumbed to the freezing temperatures.

In the morning, the billionaire ed the old man and rushed outside, only to find him lifeless on the ground. A note was clutched in the old man's hand. It read, "When I didn't have any warm clothes, I had the power to fight the cold because I was used to it. But when you promised me help, I got attached to your promise, and that took away my power to resist."

The billionaire was struck with a profound sense of guilt and sorrow. He realized that his well-intentioned promise had inadvertently caused the old man's demise. The promise, which had meant little to him, had meant everything to the old man.

While a promise might seem insignificant to you, it could mean the world to someone else.

https://www./bitterly-cold-night-billionaire-walking-through-streets-rk-glylc/

Like husbands like wives

lolxz o gbe ni GOGOAL

adenigga:






Source: https://punchng.com/I-thought-my-problems-were-over-when-Nigerias-First-Lady-promised-to-help-me-Sickle-cell-patient

hmm this LIFE no Balance oo, someone with AA (BG) will psyche banny, toast babe so tey na still friend Zone last, But AS go FIND AS and the LOVE NA DIE, but at the end bring KIDS to SUFFER. especially that kind country where no proper care or HEALTH SYSTEM.
i ed when my wife was PREGNANT , dem do all TEST for me SOTEY, i was like am i the one carrying the PREG? i am AA na... but then that how system works here, they check abt 4 months to look if baby is healthy or offer u ADVICE to TERMINATE....

All I can say is, "Chai!!!".

The entire household of Tinubu lack integrity and artistic values.

God is your strength

Put your trust in God alone.

So much trouble in the world- Robert Nesta Marley

adenigga:






Source: https://punchng.com/I-thought-my-problems-were-over-when-Nigerias-First-Lady-promised-to-help-me-Sickle-cell-patient

What a pity. I can imagine the frustration especially when she forgets things she want to type coupled with the current challenges she's presently facing.


I hope she finds all the help she will ever need.

E ya

Used her to chase clouts and abandoned her after achieving political aim

gasparpisciotta:
So much trouble in the world- Robert Nesta Marley

God creat problem and solution

Choose one

APC has finally succeeded in turning Nigeria into a banana republic.

Anyway they promised us change, so they're fulfilling their promises.

But they gave her 5 million na, atleast she receive money. They try for her

Ok

.

They had to cut her off from the First lady of Nigeria and make it a State Politics affair that the donation and charity came from the First Lady of her State....

May we never find ourselves in a position that our helpers will be cut off from us by pretenders who will stop us on the way and dump us...Amen

I pray the first Lady of Nigeria revisits her case and help her dreams come to fruition...

They lied to all of us. Not only you. But I don't know when we'll have sense and vote them out?

Saturnalia:
The entire household of Tinubu lack integrity and artistic values.

When i see people like this i wonder, Do you know how many like her with worse case sceneries that have nowhere to sleep or money to eat and with multiple younger siblings?
She is old enough to know that Nigerian is a very corrupt country. Even contractors funds for roads, hospitals and several projects are looted by same govt officials, She got 5m, 10k, money for sand, and some gifts from random tiktok s BUT She wan go US or Canada.....

THEM FOR KUKUMA BUILD IRONMAN SUITS FOR AM.

chigo32:
But they gave her 5 million na, atleast she receive money. They try for her

The first Lady of her State asked the Mum, which Country would she like the daughter to move to ....and she told her USA or Canada....

They dumped her on the way after cutting her off from the rightful helper .....now it will be all over the newspaper that she was helped but look at how she is still dying....

Messenger of falsehood

Can you see how empty and deserted this thread is? It's because Natasha's name was not mentioned here.
Agbadorian paupers would have crawled out of their holes with unbrushed teeth to show how mentally deranged they are.
This lady is their sister, she deserves .
What a community of clowns!

No empathy. It was all done for the media.... for 2027.

I thought they said she's a Redeemed Pastor. Scammers!

I really feel for the girl, the trauma alone is devastating. I hope after this interview with her, her helpers will her again.

Nigerians have the mentality that once you owned a house. Majority of your problem has been solved. meanwhile, it is the door to another problem. A house will not maintain itself.
If you are requesting for help, never request for help to build your house. That was a big blunder the mother and this girl made. They should have made a move out of the country their priority, or set up a business with the 5 million given to them but instead they used it to complete their house project.

Una for drop her details na even if na her social media handles.

dem scam dis banny!

she was not informed too?

Saturnalia:
The entire household of Tinubu lack integrity and artistic values.

This is an understatement. Their lies can wake up the dead

Saturnalia:
The entire household of Tinubu lack integrity and artistic values.

Very true.

Just like parents like children!

chigo32:
But they gave her 5 million na, atleast she receive money. They try for her

The they didn't include the first ladies mentioned. These were just the masses who showed empathy. When I said yesterday that only the masses can rescue themselves from the hands of these wicked souls, I knew what i was saying. See now, the masses helped her but the leaders failed her.

If the masses can pick good candidates across the country who will truly represent them, these politicians are on the minority side. They'll lose woefully. But because we always worship them, we've turned ourselves into sycophants when we know truly we're always at the receiving end. Who's oluremi tinubu without lagos wealth? Who's her husband without our money? I wonder if people know how much this man had been getting from the lagos wealth monthly for decades . Had ambode done his bidding, he'd not have done one-quarter of what he did in such a short time before he revolted against him, using obasa, oshinowo and co against him.

Despite all these, gullible people still keep praising him despite milking us. The sanwoolu that has taken over since ambode left, what has he achieved so far? That's the kind of people they want, not masses-oriented leaders. This is what wike too wanted to do in rivers by asking fubara to be giving him 2bn every month and if the guy fails, he'd exonerate himself and say he left office in 2023. Imagine wike also defending the 2bn, saying is it too much to ask for?

Dapo abiodun had apparently gone bankrupt before being endursed by Tinubu to govern ogun. His Heyden petroleum marketing company inside Ikeja GRA had been completely deserted, with only one diesel truck left. I know the place very well. The moment he became governor, everything changed overnight and he began to open more outlets. Can anyone point to a meaningful project this man had done in ogun so far? He'll end up the worst governor to govern that state at the end of his tenure. That's what you people want. Set yourselves free.

They're coming back again to deceive you with the 4th mainland bridge which sanwoolu dropped immediately after he won 2nd term. They know how to get you. It's you who should be wise and rally round any guy in your neighbourhood who can truly walk his talk and sponsor him. The masses always win with their choices( good.or bad). The politicians instruments are money and thuggery. Once you shun these, you'd truly elect good hands. I'm always focusing on Tinubu becasuse i know how the family treats us in Lagos. There are likes of tinubu in every state. Send them packing.
Enough said.

Mama Remi craxy busy with campaign for her husband re election