A Boko Haram child victim, Ali Ahmadu, who about three months ago was taken to the United Arab Emirates, Dubai, for surgery returned to Nigeria on Monday.
Ali, who was on wheelchair for more thant four years, now walks to the consternation of the huge crowd that gathered to welcome him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
He moved about freely, hugging and handshaking hands with many people.
He arrived with his aunt, Hannatu Madu; the Coordinator of Global Initiative for Peace, Love and Care, Nuhu Kwajafa; and representatives of Dickens Sanomi Foundation, which footed his bill.
In a smattering English laced with Hausa, he said: “I am fine.”
Ali stunned the crowd when he said his main aspiration was to be a policeman in order “to save people from harm”.
But it was not over for him following announcement by Taleveras Foundation that Ali will enjoy scholarship from primary school up to the university level.
The Chairman of Dickens Sanomi Foundation, Igho Sanomi, who is also the owner of Taleveras Group, said: “About three months ago, we all witnessed at the same airport Ali Ahmadu being taken away on a wheel chair.
“Today, to the Glory of God, we are here to receive Ali Ahmadu, walking handsomely into our arms.
“What started as a painful journey for little Ali after his Boko Haram attack in Chibok, four years ago that confined him to a wheel chair, has transformed into a journey of hope, love and care.
“Dickens Sanomi Foundation is backed by the principle of love and care, one that was practiced and preached by late Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Dickens Sanomi.
“Today, we demonstrate these principles by being our neighbours keepers and teaching love by showing it.
“Dickens Sanomi Foundation will be working with Ali’s family through GIPLC and will be supporting Ali’s post-surgery life as we help him settle into Abuja, to grow as a child with love and care.
“I am authorized to announce that an educational scholarship will be provided for Ali until he gets to university by the Taleveras Foundation.
“ May God bless you all.”
Kwajafa alos said: “About four years ago, in a small village at Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State, a toddler named Ali Ahmadu fell victim to one of Boko Haram’s murderous invasions.
“That fateful night, he suffered excruciating pains all over his body, brought upon him by the senseless marauders.
“They crushed everything/everyone in their path, severely damaging his still forming vertebral column in the process, but the hand of God preserved Ali, so we may give glory to His name.
“Since that incident, the little boy never accessed any form of orthodox medication.
“He was at the mercy of traditionalist, in highly unpredictable and perilous times.
“Obviously, during this period, access to education, nutrition, psychosocial tuning, water, sanitation or hygiene, was very limited, if not non-existent.
“He was immobile and fast deteriorating, physically and mentally, from that period till the first quarter of this year, 2017, when GIPLC made contact with him.
“The organization facilitated the relevant examinations and digital/lab tests for assessment and proper medical attention.
“The results revealed that he couldn’t access the quality care required, to literally realigned him towards a better quality of life, hence the decision to make prerequisite travel arrangements, to travel abroad.
“After duly assessing the various options open to us, from all over the world, we resolved to take him to the UAE.
“After almost six hours of extremely delicate surgery, about a week in ICU and a month in recovery, Ali took his first steps into a brighter future.
“He has been in the UAE, being monitored, as he recuperated and to God’s Glory, Ali, who left this airport on a wheel chair a couple of months ago, is back before you today on his two feet, looking handsome and ready to start his new life.
“GIPLC is committed to Ali’s post-surgery well being and have received confirmation from Dickens Sanomi Foundation to support his settling in the society and will provide him an educational scholarship as he settles in Abuja.
“Thank you to all Nigerians and to Everyone who has supported this journey.”