Action for Change and Empowerment (A.C.E), in partnership with The IREDE Foundation, has handed over prosthetic limbs to four child amputees as part of the 2025 Limb Empowerment Project.
Speaking at the event, A.C.E Deputy Country Manager and Project Coordinator, Ms. Chiamaka Ukpanwanne, said the partnership with The IREDE Foundation has continued to expand its reach since it began in 2023.
She said the intervention, which previously focused mainly on the South-West, has now extended to other regions of the country.
“This year, we supported four champions—one from the East, one from the North, and two from the West.
Our partnership with The IREDE Foundation has been fantastic.
“Seeing children living with disabilities become more independent brings joy not only to us but also to their caregivers,” she said.
Ukpanwanne noted that supporting younger amputees was a major milestone for the partnership.
“We are particularly excited about the two-year-old and four-year-old beneficiaries, as we have not previously worked with children that young,” she added.
Mr Gift Anyanwu, Programmes Associate at The IREDE Foundation, said the ceremony provided an opportunity for both organisations to witness the direct impact of their collaboration on the lives of recipients.
He said the foundation has supported over 100 child amputees with prosthetic limbs across Nigeria in the last three years.
“Our ‘Refer a Child’ campaign helps us reach children who may be hidden due to stigma associated with disability.
“Many families do not know that support exists, so outreach is essential.
“We are confident that these children will overcome limitations and societal barriers with the help of the prosthetic limbs provided,” he said.
A parent of one of the beneficiaries, Mr. Collins Chukwu, expressed gratitude to A.C.E and The IREDE Foundation for restoring confidence and mobility to his son, Miracle, who lost his limb in an accident at four months old.
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He said the limb and accompanying scholarship support have transformed the boy’s life.
“He can now move, play, and do things like other children. We are truly grateful for the support given to our family,” he said.
Newsmen reports that both ACE and The IREDE Foundation say they hope to expand the programme in future years to support even more children living with limb loss across Nigeria. (NAN)
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