N2m appeal to restore teen's mobility after lifelong leg deformity struggle

Daniel Akanni, a 17-year-old boy, is seeking the help of Nigerians to raise N2 million for a life-changing surgery. Born with a deformity in his left leg, Akanni underwent corrective surgery at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, when he was just 18 months old. The surgery allowed him to walk, albeit with a limp, as the corrected leg was shorter than the other. However, his condition has worsened over time, and doctors have now recommended amputating the leg from the knee and fitting him with an artificial limb. Akanni, who hopes to study Petroleum Engineering, is pleading with Nigerians to help him undergo the surgery, saying, 'I am pleading with Nigerians to help me walk again. My parents have expended all they had. Please help me. I have faith that the surgery will be successful. All I need is your financial help and God will bless you all as you do so.' His mother, Oluwatoyin, explained that the family had sought various medical treatments over the years but could not afford the second surgery due to financial constraints. The family had also taken advantage of the Lagos State Government's 'Hello Lagos' free surgery programme in 2020, but the surgery ultimately left Akanni's condition worse. The total cost for the surgery and artificial limb has been estimated at N2 million, with the surgery alone costing N710,000. Donations can be made to: Bank Name: FCMB, Account number: 9378042011, Account name: Toyin Felicia Adesoye. Oluwatoyin expressed her gratitude in advance, saying, 'We have nothing. We need help. We want Nigerians to help us so our son can walk again.'