On arrival we met the church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, diocese of Oji River who came to mark the Physically Challenged Day. There were different churches, schools and community groups.

There were hymns, worship, prayers, bible readings, dances, speeches, dreamer and presentation by patients or sufferers. They brought bags of rice and drinks, cooked food and other gifts.

I was unable to meet the sufferers individually to hand over the gifts brought from the UK but spent some time with the medical superintendent interviewing him regarding the update since my visit in May 2012.

It was inspiring to hear some success stories and learn that some of the sufferers have been discharges and moved on to trading in the community.

One of the men with deep diabetes, which in turn triggered an ulcerated leg, has been taken by his sons to America for further treatment.

The high light for me is about a lady by name Mrs Cecilia Chukwu, who was diagnosed late due to lack of knowledge and information. At my last visit in May 2012, she was bed bound, due to an ulcerated leg, below the knee amputation on the other leg, a blind right eye and about 5% hearing on her right ear all as a consequence of leprosy. On my visit in December 2012, this dear lady’s ulcer is now healed and she now sits out of the bed and with an artificial leg she is able to walk with the help of one person due to being blind.