A Polio survivor, Mr. Festus Emmanuel Aziken, Wednesday, revealed how the N1.5m electric wheelchair donated to him by the Rotary Club Maitama Abuja ended his 32 years of crawling.
Aziken is a graduate of the Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo state, and works with the FCT Hospital Management Board, Abuja.
Speaking in Abuja shortly after the Rotary Club donated the electric wheelchair to him, the elated Aziken, who was flanked by his wife, said the club had given him “light at the end of a tunnel’’, adding that he had longed for ages to have the facility to ease his movement.
He said: “It is in ages that I have been thinking of having something like (wheelchair) to ease my movement. In fact, it has not been easy, and today, the Rotary Club Abuja Maitama, has deemed it wise to give me the light at the end of the tunnel.
“I have been like this for about 32 years. It will surprise you that I went to school from primary school to a tertiary institution like this (as a physically challenged person). My family could not provide this for me, but today, the president of the Rotary Club Abuja Maitama and his members have provided this for me.
“This is actually gratifying. Thank you all. If my mouth were all over my body, it would have not been enough to thank you enough. Thank you. I am grateful’’
The President of Rotary Club Abuja, Maitama, Rotn. Yusuf Alli, in his address, said the club was committed to lifting the vulnerable, adding that it decided to add sustainable value to Aziken’s life with the electric wheelchair.
He said: “Today, we have put our treasures together to buy a N1. 5m electric wheelchair for Festus Emmanuel Aziken, a Polio survivor, who has been crawling for 32 years. He has never allowed adversity to kill his dreams. RC Abuja Maitama by this token is adding sustainable value to his life.
“When he spoke with me last night, he said the electric chair will “aid my movement within and outside the vicinity to be able to fend for myself. Yes, my arms are becoming weak as I age.” His fate reminds all of us of our charity obligation because we are all pencils in the hands of God. Festus, this club rejoices with you, take good advantage of this gesture’’.
