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The Irede Foundation on Saturday embarked on an awareness walk in Benin City, Edo State, to promote access to free prosthetic limbs for children, decrying the poor response to its advocacy.
The outreach tagged “Out on a Limb 2025,”, took place on the Oluku axis of the city and attracted volunteers, donors, and advocates.
Lead Advocate of the foundation’s Out on a Limb in Benin City, Peter Onyekwuo, said that the project targeted children aged 0 to 18 who were in need of prosthetic limbs but could not afford them.
“This year’s theme is ‘Full Access, No Cap,’ meaning there’s no limitation for any child,” Mr Onyekwuo stated during the walk.
According to him, the loss of a limb should not stop any child from going to school or pursuing their dreams.
He said, “It must not be a hindrance,” he stressed, noting that the event was part of a global movement taking place simultaneously in 60 locations including the U.S, Dubai, and Dublin. This is the 12th edition of Out on a Limb. In Benin City, it’s either the second or third time we’re holding it.’’
Mr Onyekwuo said that in spite of the previous campaigns by the foundation, response had been poor.
“I’ve not seen any child referred yet. When I was in Ebonyi and Lokoja, children got limbs. But here in Benin, we’re still waiting. That’s why we keep advocating,” he added.
The foundation’s lead advocate said an artificial limb costs over N1.5 million in hospitals, but Irede Foundation offers it for free.
He asserted that the foundation hoped to reach at least 200 children across Nigeria through the support of donors and corporate sponsors in 2025.
Mr Onyekwuo acknowledged support from companies such as UPS and encouraged individuals to donate and help children live full lives.
“We want children in Benin City to benefit too. Let one get it and become a testimony for others,” Mr Onyekwuo urged.
