Ajibade Hannah, 23, who was hit by a automobile on her technique to college, talks to ABDULLATEEF FOWEWE how her boyfriend and shut ones left her when she wanted them most and the challenges she is going through
Are you able to introduce your self?
I’m Ajibade Hannah and I’m 23 years previous. I maintain a Nationwide Diploma certificates and I’m from Ilaro, Ogun State. I belong to a household of 4 and I’m the youngest. Earlier than I had an accident, I used to be a scholar learning meals know-how at Ilaro Polytechnic.
Might you please present particulars of the incident that occurred to you and clarify the way it unfolded?
The accident occurred on July 12, 2022, throughout my time in Greater Nationwide Diploma at Ilaro Polytechnic. I used to be returning to high school for the second semester after I arrived on the college setting. To succeed in my hostel, I made a decision to take a motorbike. It was at that second {that a} automobile collided with me, inflicting me to fall off the bike and hit the bottom. This startled everybody current on the scene, and no person was keen to help me initially. Nevertheless, my good friend ultimately got here to my help and accompanied me to the hospital with the one who hit me. The folks on the scene pressured him to make sure that I obtained medical consideration, in any other case he would have ignored me and fled. I’m uncertain about what occurred to the person afterwards. Nevertheless, I used to be knowledgeable that people residing in that group had turned his automobile over to the police. Sadly, by that point, my leg was already displaced, and regardless of the ache, I had no different choice however to endure it. The physician administered an injection and falsely assured me that I might be capable to return to high school inside a couple of days. Nevertheless, two weeks later, I noticed that my leg was producing darkish blood, making it tough to wash. Though I used to be unaware of its significance, throughout that point, I approached the one who hit me and advised him what I used to be feeling, and he talked about his intention to promote his automobile to help with my medical bills.
Subsequently, I found that he had not bought it, however had deceived me. Round September 11, after I seen my leg had turn out to be severely discoloured, I pleaded with him to take me to a unique hospital because the physician appeared unresponsive. Nevertheless, he claimed ignorance about another hospitals and expressed concern concerning the bills. Undeterred, I made a decision to go to an Orthopaedic Hospital in Igbobi, Lagos State.
What did they are saying whenever you bought to Igbobi?
Sadly, after I arrived there late on September 12, 2022, I discovered that they meant to amputate my leg. Surprisingly, I felt a way of reduction at that second, as I realised they have been providing an answer, oblivious to the truth that my leg would certainly be completely misplaced, I felt horrible. Nevertheless, I knowledgeable the person who collided with me that the physician had talked about eager to sever my leg, and I defined to him that I understood that his determination to drive on the specific highway as an alternative of the designated area was a mistake as a learner. Nonetheless, I underwent surgical procedure and had my leg amputated months afterwards.
Did the person who collided with you contribute to the surgical procedure?
After the amputation, I didn’t obtain any type of communication from the person. It was at that time I reached out to him, accusing him of neglecting to go to me or help with my medical bills. In response, he dishonestly claimed to be unfamiliar with the situation of Igbobi. As time went on, I underwent two further surgical procedures to deal with a detected an infection and an exterior fixator in my thighs. Consequently, my hospital keep was prolonged for over three months. Nonetheless, my mates have been already of their second 12 months at HND whereas I used to be caught within the hospital. Regardless of feeling depressed, I couldn’t conceal my feelings and resorted to sharing the whole lot on TikTok. My followers continued to encourage me not to surrender on myself. There was even a time when somebody requested about my occupation and I actually replied that I solely create content material on TikTok, hoping to seek out help by means of it.
Do you imagine the automobile deliberately hit you?
I must say sure, as there was a pothole on the motive force’s left-hand aspect; As a substitute of going into it, he purposely drove in direction of me, utilizing my presence to halt the automobile. Initially, I believed he had good intentions in taking care of me. Nevertheless, quickly after listening to that I used to be being taken to Igbobi for a leg amputation, he fully severed all ties with me. He made no effort to go to or name, and he refused to pay any of my payments as nicely.
What was his instant response after the incident occurred?
I can’t precisely describe his response as I used to be in nice ache, however what stood out was his reluctance to take me to the hospital immediately. If it weren’t for the individuals who knocked on his automobile door and insisted that he handle me, he may not have proven any concern. He appeared considerably detached and took his time earlier than making an attempt to hold me. Nevertheless, I can’t speculate on his intentions as concern typically clouds one’s judgment in such conditions. On condition that I didn’t know him or have any prior acquaintance, I can’t declare that it was intentional.
How is your bodily situation after the accident and the way is your restoration progressing?
When the accident occurred, all I may take into consideration was how my life was ruined after I noticed my shattered bones on the ground. It felt like I may not lead a standard life or be with my mates, particularly after having my leg amputated. I used to be frightened about how I might be capable to obtain success like my friends. Within the present state of our nation, it’s fairly tough for people with disabilities to seek out employment or have interaction in varied actions. It took me a very long time, months, and even a 12 months earlier than I may begin taking good care of myself once more on account of melancholy. Nevertheless, I do submit content material on TikTok, and my followers encourage me, reminding me that life isn’t over. Though I can’t say that my restoration stage goes exceptionally nicely but, making myself completely happy has been a constructive step. For now, I’m striving to turn out to be a content material creator and influencer, because it appears to be the one viable choice contemplating my monetary constraints. Sadly, my mom can’t help me financially to renew my schooling, and my father has died, until I come throughout somebody keen to sponsor me. Moreover, I’ve already spent a substantial amount of cash on surgical procedures, which has put a pressure on my household’s funds. Therefore, my restoration course of just isn’t going as easily as I would really like. Nevertheless, I imagine that with God, all issues are potential.
What has been essentially the most tough side of coping with a damaged leg after the accident?
It’s difficult for me to match my earlier skills and aspirations with my present limitations. I really feel excluded and typically expertise durations of melancholy. Nevertheless, I discover motivation in sharing my emotions on TikTok, the place my followers present help. Because of my mom’s hypertension, I hesitate to open up to her about my ache.
Did anybody humiliate you on account of your situation?
Sure, I’ve confronted humiliation from shut people who’ve insulted me for my leg, even going as far as to label me as a half-human. Regardless of this, I nonetheless contemplate myself a powerful lady. That is among the explanation why I take advantage of the username ‘Horny one leg’ on TikTok, to keep away from pointless insults. Even when somebody needed to insult me, I’ve already insulted myself with my chosen username. Nevertheless, a few of my mates have additionally insulted me for begging for cash on-line. However I’m the sort of one that doesn’t let others’ phrases have an effect on me. Though I’ll give it some thought personally, I don’t let insults from others deliver me down.
Did you face any sudden challenges?
Sure. There was a time after I had a bone-related problem the place my bones weren’t becoming a member of collectively, which required one other surgical procedure. I felt ashamed to need to ask for cash from folks once more after already having begged earlier than.
Other than TikTok, what different issues forestall you from feeling depressed?
The one factor I do to deliver myself happiness is to braid hair for others. After the accident, I didn’t need to really feel nugatory, so I made a decision to learn to braid hair. Additionally, my good friend, who works as a hairdresser, assisted me by sending movies of her hairstyles. Nevertheless, I wanted I may open up to my siblings concerning the ache I’m experiencing however at occasions, I hesitated to burden them, I nonetheless inform them sometimes to make sure they perceive that I’m nonetheless in ache and haven’t absolutely recovered. Moreover, when folks understand you as sturdy, you’re feeling obligated to behave accordingly, although there are moments after I really feel fully devastated, like after I noticed my classmate leaving college. Nonetheless, I had no selection however to fake as if nothing had occurred.
Are there any particular cases or recollections from the accident that stay vivid in your thoughts?
Typically, when I’m sleeping, I get up and recall how the accident occurred. It occurred at a time after I solely had 9 months left to finish my HND. This incident has instilled in me a concern of travelling or pursuing additional schooling. Nevertheless, seeing sponsors will inspire me to return to high school, however it may be tough for me to maneuver ahead after I keep in mind that the accident occurred whereas I used to be on my manner again to high school.
When it comes to my every day routine and actions, the accident has had a major impression. My household, who’re already managing with very restricted funds, needed to spend all their cash on my surgical procedures. Even that wasn’t sufficient, so we needed to flip to others for assist to buy treatment and meals. It was embarrassing for me to need to ask for cash on-line, and it continues to disrupt my every day routines.
Did you obtain any help from your mates?
Throughout this difficult time, my household has been an ideal help to me, although we aren’t rich. They’ve supplied immense help. Some mates ultimately confirmed help as nicely, nevertheless it wasn’t till July 2023, after I wanted to endure one other surgical procedure as a result of my accidents weren’t therapeutic correctly, that they supplied a small quantity of help.
Are you able to share any constructive experiences or sudden blessings which have arisen from this difficult state of affairs?
When my leg was first amputated, I initially believed it marked the tip of my life. Nevertheless, by means of my constant posts on TikTokk, I obtain uplifting messages from my followers, encouraging me to not lose hope and to proceed pursuing what brings me happiness. These phrases of encouragement have been extremely motivating, serving to me recognise that even in tough circumstances, constructive outcomes can nonetheless emerge.
Do you will have any particular aspirations or milestones you will have set through the rehabilitation interval?
I’ve set varied objectives for myself on this 12 months. Though monetary constraints could pose a problem, I’ve religion that issues will work out for me with God’s steerage. I aspire to turn out to be somebody whose tales captivate an viewers’s curiosity, and I additionally dream of reaching fame as a content material creator. Moreover, I’ve a private ambition of building my hair salon this 12 months, though I’m uncertain of the way it will unfold. Nonetheless, I pray that it aligns with my plans and involves fruition with God’s blessing.
How has this expertise impacted your outlook on life and influenced your priorities?
I’ve come to imagine that life’s challenges can come up unexpectedly for anybody, and you will need to not quit in such conditions. We should try to work exhausting, stay resilient, and search power by means of prayer, trusting that our efforts will ultimately repay. Moreover, I’ve realised that folks could criticise and convey us down, however with willpower and divine help, we are able to overcome obstacles and even witness those that doubted us coming to acknowledge their errors and have fun our success. Furthermore, this expertise sparked my curiosity in hairstyling and guiding people with disabilities.
Has any of your friendships ended on account of your situation?
Sure. Regarding my boyfriend, we have been collectively for 2 and a half years. Once I had the accident, he wasn’t in Ilaro however his mates have been. He used to go to for some time, however then he began dishonest on me, and ever since, we’ve been having issues.
Once I was transferred to Igbobi, I knowledgeable him that my legs had been amputated. He claimed to have advised his mother, however I seen a change in his behaviour. He stopped calling and texting me, and it felt like I used to be forcing myself on him. Finally, I grew uninterested in it. A lot of my classmates additionally stopped coming to test on me. My boyfriend left me with out even visiting me. I final noticed him on September 12, 2022, which was the day I left Ilaro. It took time to recover from the state of affairs, together with the melancholy that got here together with it. Logging on and seeing folks realise that the individual I used to be relationship was not with me, coupled with the truth that my leg had been amputated, was tough. Nevertheless, I’m grateful to God for serving to me overcome it.
Wherein manner do you assume Nigerians may help you?
Nigerians can actually assist me within the side of cash; as a result of all of the issues I need to do require cash, I need to return to high school and have my HND certificates, and I’m planning to have my hairdressing saloon. Additionally, the place the place we’re dwelling just isn’t conducive as a result of my dad had died; it’s only my mother who’s offering for us. Nonetheless, I’m nonetheless struggling to have a prosthetic, as a result of my physician even advisable it for us, in order that it could additionally assist my bone to hitch quicker, however the absence of cash restricted us from buying it.
What recommendation are you able to provide to people who could discover themselves in the same state of affairs?
My solely suggestion is to not let life’s challenges impression you negatively. Don’t enable your incapacity to find out who you’ll turn out to be or what you’ll be able to obtain in life. With willpower, you’ll be able to accomplish something. Moreover, when confronted with such circumstances, it might be vital to regulate your objectives. It isn’t that you’re incapable of reaching your preliminary aspirations, however fairly, you will need to be sensible and lifelike contemplating the societal attitudes in direction of disabilities in our nation, particularly Nigeria. Sadly, even when disabled people are absolutely succesful, they might face prejudice in sure conditions. I apologise for being blunt, however honesty dictates that in case you are competing for a job with somebody who has two legs and you’ve got just one, the employer could favour the individual with two legs based mostly on the idea that you’re incapable.