Gov Umo Eno approves, releases N15 million for Aitee Lawrence’s surgery

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Gov Umo Eno approves, releases N15 million for Aitee Lawrence’s surgery

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has approved and released the sum of N15 million for surgery of Deputy Director in Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation, AKBC, Ms Itoro Lawrence.
Recall that in November 2024, Ms Lawrence popularly known as ‘Aitee Lawrence’ made a post on her Facebook page, soliciting support from friends to undergo surgery.
Her post tagged “Please Help me live” reads: “I am a Deputy Director in Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation. I contracted poliomyelitis as a child which affected my left leg, making me walk with a ‘swag’. This abnormality in gait bent my spine over time, but it never stopped me from living a normal life until armed robbers broke into my house in 2016. They kept hitting my back with a thick rod asking for gold chains. My back was reddish and swollen after the attack. A day after, I could no more walk on my own.
I’d severe pain, numbness, shocking sensations, weakness from my waist down to my toes. I was diagnosed with lumbar spondylosis and multiple sclerosis.
Itoro Lawrence, Deputy Director of Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation, AKBC
“I had my 1st spinal decompression surgery in 2017 with no fusion. The pains got worse a few weeks after. I underwent yet another surgery 2018, still fusion was not done due to intraoperative bleeding. I died, but God resuscitated me.
“2019, I sought a 2nd opinion in Lagos and the team of foreign doctors there said my cervical (neck region) spine was in a worse condition compared to the lumbar spine. My condition was critical and life threatening. The money I raised from friends for the lumbar (waist region) surgery was used for the cervical spine surgery instead. A 3 level cervical fusion was very successful.The lumbar spine decompression surgery is yet to be done and this has changed the course of my whole life.
She continues, “Doctors say I risk being completely paralysed- hands and feet- no sensations whatsoever! They say bowel incontinence is imminent as I’m wheelchair bound and may have to wear diapers the rest of my life. That this condition will keep getting worse if an urgent surgery isn’t done. I’m tired.
I’m depressed. My social life is at a standstill.
I can’t even sit for long. The (now very expensive) medications aren’t helping no more.
My Dr warns that prolonged use of pain relievers/muscle relaxants could affect my internal organs. But…these pains are excruciating! My BP is high. The shocking, numbing sensations are increasing by the day.
I can’t sleep. My limbs are weak, so weak that I’ve challenges having my bath or washing simple items like undies and handkerchiefs, presently.
“I’ve written series of letters to people who can help, I’m yet to get positive responses. I’m afraid for my life. I’m suffering in silence. My life is slowly ebbing away due to a condition that has a medical/financial solution.
“I’m now humbly appealing for help from kind-hearted Nigerians, to undergo this corrective surgery on my spine. About 12million Naira was required for this surgery 2 years ago. I need about 22 million Naira to cover exigencies and post op maintenance. My health is deteriorating. I haven’t been able to gather money for my spinal surgery since then.
My hands and legs are getting weaker and weaker by the day. Please help me live!
She provided her account details: Itoro Lawrence Akpan, FCMB 1027655649 for possible financial assistance. The post was widely shared to some platforms by her friends and concerned citizens. Responding, a Whatsapp platform, Newsline9ja contributed N211,000, a medical doctor in the US promised 200k every month, from January to December 2025 for physiotherapy while some donors chose to be anonymous and a total of N1.4million was raised to support her.
When the issue was brought to the attention of His Excellency, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, as usual, he willingly approved and released N15million for commencement of the surgery without hesitation.
Reacting, the recipient, Mrs Lawrence thanked the Governor for his benevolence, disclosing that she has already commenced the process for the surgery with the hospital.
God is faithful! The governor made me smile. The hospital I’m to have the surgery requested for recent MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and X-rays before they can give an invoice,” she disclosed.
She also thanked her friends and concerned citizens for their support, praying God to reward them accordingly.

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