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Man Seeks Support for Family Amid Reported Health, Housing Challenges
Man Seeks Support for Family Amid Reported Health and Housing Challenges
By Chuks Onuoha
A 70-year-old man, Pa Uzoma Okegbe, from Umuikogele community in Isialangwa South Local Government Area of Abia State, is appealing for assistance to support his family following years of reported health and financial difficulties.
According to an account provided during a visit to the family, Okegbe has experienced significant mobility challenges since reportedly falling from a palm tree in 2011 while harvesting palm fruits for a widow in his community.
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The incident, according to the account, left him unable to walk independently. His family reportedly sought treatment from traditional practitioners but could not afford further medical care.
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The family’s financial difficulties have also reportedly affected the education of Okegbe’s four children, who are said to have discontinued their schooling because of a lack of funds.
His wife, identified as Mama Joy Okegbe, is reportedly the family’s primary source of support, relying on her efforts to provide food and meet other household needs.
The family’s housing situation is another major concern. During the visit, the account indicated that their residence had suffered damage from flooding, with some sections reportedly collapsing. Neighbours were said to have helped support parts of the structure with wooden poles.
Okegbe expressed concern about the family’s living conditions, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
“Whenever it rains with storms, we become apprehensive, fearful and agitated, because anything can happen. We are living here because we have no choice,” he said.
Despite the difficulties, Okegbe said he remained hopeful that assistance from individuals and organisations could help improve his family’s circumstances.
He appealed for support that would enable him to access appropriate medical care, obtain a wheelchair, improve the family’s living conditions and provide educational opportunities for his children.
He also expressed interest in starting a poultry business if he could obtain the necessary support to help contribute to the family’s upkeep.
Speaking on the family’s situation, Mr Ben Ezinma, coordinator of the Child Right Network (CHIRN), said the organisation had been providing limited assistance since learning of their circumstances.
Ezinma said the family needed support in several areas, including shelter, medical care, mobility assistance, education, food and economic empowerment.
He explained that the organisation’s available resources were insufficient to meet all the family’s needs and appealed to government agencies, charitable organisations and individuals to consider offering assistance.
The appeal also extends to relevant social welfare authorities and humanitarian organisations that may be able to assess the family’s circumstances and determine the appropriate support required.
The situation highlights the importance of access to healthcare, disability support, safe housing and educational opportunities for vulnerable households.
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