Vision Loss Persists After Medical Intervention, Ayoola's Quest for Regained Sight Reaches Critical Juncture as Kids Forced to Abandon Education

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…Thanks Nigerians for N1.1m support, appeals to Tinubu for N15.2m life-saving surgery
By Chioma Obinna

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Months after his heartbreaking story first appeared in Vanguard, Ayoola Idowu is still trapped in darkness.
The father of two, who says he became permanently blind following a radiotherapy procedure, has yet to raise the N15.2 million needed for a cornea transplant in India that doctors say could restore his sight.

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While donations from compassionate Nigerians have kept hope alive, they have only been enough to secure a modest one-bedroom apartment for his family and cover basic medical and living expenses. The greater battle, raising enough money to save his sight, remains painfully out of reach.

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Worse still, the family’s hardship has deepened. His children have been forced out of school because of unpaid fees.

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Speaking to Good Health Weekly, an emotional Idowu expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed N1,156,413, saying their generosity prevented his family from becoming homeless.

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“I sincerely thank every Nigerian who came to my rescue. Without those donations, my family would probably have been on the streets. The money helped us rent a one-bedroom apartment and pay some medical and daily expenses. May God bless everyone who remembered us.”

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But the relief has been temporary.

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Children out of school

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Unable to earn a living since losing his sight, Idowu says his family is sinking deeper into poverty.
“All I want is to regain my sight so I can work again and take care of my family. As I speak, my children are no longer in school because we cannot pay their fees. One of them was sent out during the Junior WAEC examination two weeks ago because we couldn’t pay.”

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His voice broke as he described watching helplessly while his children’s education slips away.
“It pains me that I cannot provide for them. If I can see again, I know I can rebuild my life.”

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A second chance in India

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Hope, however, still exists.

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Following consultations with Max Healthcare Hospital, Gurgaon, India, Idowu has been informed that he is a candidate for a cornea transplant, offering the possibility of restoring his vision.

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Medical documents made available to Good Health Weekly show that the estimated cost of treatment, travel, accommodation and associated medical care is approximately $11,000 (about N15.2 million).

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According to Dr. Parul Sharma, Director and Head of Eye Care and Ophthalmology at the hospital, available medical reports indicate that Idowu requires a cornea transplant, although the final treatment plan will depend on a comprehensive evaluation upon arrival.

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A plea to President Tinubu, Nigerians

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With no source of income and no realistic means of raising such an amount, Idowu is making a fresh appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, corporate organisations, philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians.

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“I am begging President Tinubu to please come to my rescue. I appeal to the Federal Government and kind-hearted Nigerians to help me regain my sight. I don’t want my children to continue suffering because of what happened to me.”

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He added: “This is not just about seeing again. It is about giving me another chance to work, provide for my family and live with dignity.”

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A story that touched many hearts

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When Vanguard first reported Idowu’s plight months ago, Nigerians from different walks of life responded with donations, prayers and words of encouragement.

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Among those who contributed were individuals, friends, charitable foundations and corporate organisations, whose collective donations amounted to N1,156,413.

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Idowu insists he remains deeply grateful.

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“I may not be able to repay those who helped me, but I pray that God will reward every one of them abundantly. Their kindness gave me hope when I had almost given up.”

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Despite that generosity, the funds required for the sight-restoring surgery remain far beyond his reach.
Today, Ayoola’s appeal is simple not just for charity, but for another chance to see, work and restore his family’s future.

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If you are touched by his plight, please send your donations to: Account Name: Ayoola Idowu Oluwasanmi, Bank: Sterling Bank: Account Number: 0045081436: Phone: 08031117606

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