Nigerian singer Jodie has opened up about the challenges of raising a child with special needs in Nigeria.
The Kuchi Kuchi star, whose 6-year-old son Chinua has cerebral palsy, stated in a heartfelt post that her son’s condition was caused by the hospital where she gave birth to him.
According to the mother of one, who disclosed how her son’s condition has affected her finances, many have advised her to kill the little boy. Jodie noted that she’s had to do all sorts of jobs to provide for her child, but the high cost of child care absorbs all of her earnings.
“My finances have been swallowed. My friends have abandoned me because I’m a beggar. My debts are new every morning.” She said.
Jodie said that just like her, other special-needs parents have suffered alone for too long because they have been ashamed of the stigmatization.
She urged the government, non-governmental organizations, and other authorities to create a “permanent solution” for special needs children’s care so that parents do not have to go bankrupt to care for their children.
“My head is heavy. My eyes hurt, because I cry every night. Don’t wait for singer of Kuchi Kuchi to die first before you do a memorial service while her child is left to suffer. Do not spend a dime when I’m dead. Do all you can about it now while I’m alive. I beg you Nigerians.” She added.
Jodie, whose full name is Joy Eseoghene Odiete, married actor David Nnaji, Chinua’s father, in October 2015, but the marriage ended shortly after Chinua was born.
See her full post below,
pls contact me so l can link you up to a mother with special needs child who can help and guide you. thanks
My hrt is very heavy I am Short of words,,, only God sees how I feel for 5his mum, of a special need, child. I am also not in the group of well loaded guys,, but, I feel in her pain and can still do little to need, of the special need child,
Dear Jodie, you are not alone in this situation,I have a beautiful daughter who is also special, but I thank God for always putting smile on my face, what else will I say,is not easy at all, especially here in Nigeria raising a special child, is it the social trauma,or the financial involvement. Just know that God is always with us all.
The good God almighty is your strength and shield
Jodie please how do we help you. No matter how small it is, I must support you because your music touched my heart seriously and I enjoy listening to it a lot.
My Jodie, you can’t go through this alone.
I command the healing power to flow from the crown of ur head to ur feet in Jesus name chinua. Let the power of God touch u. U are healed. Thank u Jesus.
Sis I can relate to all you saying. I have a special need child too. Gosh its not easy training them up and making them feel special among other children. Just put ur head up and be positive in life. God will see us thru. It is well