My journey with CVD / Stroke began 19 years ago—not with me, but with my eldest brother, who had a stroke in London. Sadly, he died after experiencing a second stroke.  

In 2012, I was just 33 years old when I had my own stroke. Back then, I used to drink heavily and smoke cigarettes.  

My stroke left me unable to speak (aphasia), move, or walk. Recovery was not immediate. It took me two and a half years to realize that healing is a long and costly process. Every single day, I take my medication, eat nutritious food, especially fruits and vegetables, and exercise just to stay alive. I've learned how expensive and emotionally draining it can be to rebuild your life from scratch. 

Each day brings different challenges. But I’ve learned to face them with hope, self-love, and courage. The financial burden of my treatment and medications has been overwhelming. Paying out-of-pocket for food, medications, physiotherapy, speech therapy, and exercise took a heavy toll on me.  

People in my community often avoided me. My fiancée even left me, saying I was "handicapped" and could no longer care for her. 

But today, I’m still standing. I am a stroke survivor. I now use my story to raise awareness about stroke and noncommunicable diseases. I advocate for early detection, lifestyle changes, and the creation of support systems for survivors.  I also remind others to be mindful of the risk factors.

Based on my own experience, I founded the Michael and Francisca Foundation, a support group where stroke survivors and their families can find hope, connection, and strength. Recovery is not a sprint. It is a marathon. It requires learning everything all over again. But hope remains. I am a living proof. I thank God today that I am a survivor. 

Recovery is possible but no one should walk that road alone. 

In 2016, my mother suffered a stroke. She had been living with diabetes and the stroke came as a devastating blow to our family. The stroke left her paralysed and dependent on a wheelchair. She now lives with chronic pain and fatigue, which takes a toll on her both physically and emotionally.

Beyond my own family, I’ve seen how stroke can completely turn lives upside down. One particular heartbreaking case is that of one stroke survivor.

After suffering a stroke and losing his ability to provide for his family, he was beaten by his wife and children. Eventually, they drove him out of the very house he had built with his own hands. With no phone and no way to reach out for help, he disappeared, and to this day, no-one knows what became of him.

This painful void [left by those affected with stroke] and the many similar experiences I’ve encountered, inspired the creation of the Michael and Francisca Foundation, a stroke support organisation where survivors share their stories, challenges and learn about promising treatments and new research.

We got an authorisation by the Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace Alfred Adewale Martins, to carry out a Stroke Awareness Campaign for Survivors at various Catholic Churches, and surrounding localities, in Lagos State.

We also received support from U.M.M.I [Unione Medico Missionaria Italiana] who gave us an in-kind donation of medicines to provide care for stroke survivors and people living with noncommunicable diseases.

The financial burden of stroke, from diagnosis to treatment and medication, can be overwhelming. For many people in Nigeria, this cost becomes unbearable, draining families of their limited resources and diminishing their quality of life. Sadly, many conditions are not covered by insurance, leaving people living with NCDs without options or support.

I founded the Michael and Francisca Foundationto help alleviate the financial burden of stroke and other NCDs by providing:

1. Free medicines for stroke/NCDs management
2. Access to healthcare services and medical check-ups
3. Supporting with housing payments for stroke survivors in critical need
4. Clothing and feeding programs for low-income families

We call on the government to make stroke care, including medication and rehabilitation, free or highly subsidized, especially for those from underserved communities. We call for supportive employment and education policies that meet the needs of people who have invisible disabilities resulting from NCDs, and face barriers or discrimination.

To our doctors, policymakers, and government leaders, we ask for compassionate and inclusive action:

1. Fund comprehensive stroke care programs
2. Provide employment opportunities and protection for stroke survivors
3. Train primary care professionals to recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke early, improving the chances of recovery and survival
4. Youth empowerment through skills training and mentorship
5. Community awareness and education on stroke and NCDs

I speak not just as an advocate, but from personal experience. I survived a hemorrhagic stroke which affected the left side of my brain and caused paralysis on my right side. Recovery has been a long and difficult journey, but it has been filled with purpose to raise awareness, inspire action, and push for change.

We envision a world with fewer strokes, where survivors are supported, youth are empowered, equity is prioritised and everyone can live their life in dignity and justice.

Thank you.