In Nigeria, over 1 million people live with limb loss coupled with the stigma and lack of support that comes with it. However, Dr Irene Titilola Olumese, a Nutrition Specialist with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for 15 years in three countries, is changing the narrative.
“A person with a disability is not a burden; they are a source of strength.” – Dr Irene Olumese.
For twenty years, Irene Olumese lived with a chronic respiratory disease (Bronchiectasis) and debilitating neuromuscular disease (Myasthenia Gravis) that resulted in a bilateral lung transplant in April 2013.
Forty-eight hours after the successful surgery, her organs began to fail, leading to a severe post-surgery complication. After slipping into a coma that lasted four weeks, the Olumese woke up to the devastating news that she had an insufficient flow of blood to her hands and feet while in a coma, and this resulted in necrosis.
Although her hands miraculously healed, this complication claimed her legs, and she had to undergo a bilateral mid-leg amputation in May 2013.
Before her legs were amputated, she received a divine promise of ‘The Feet of Grace’ that would take her to places beyond her imagination – where her natural feet would not have taken her.
Six months after the amputation, she established the Feet of Grace Foundation. The Feet of Grace Foundation is a faith-based organisation that raises funds to provide prosthetic limbs for needy amputees in poor communities. The inspiration for this foundation came when she had to sit without being able to stand or walk. Although short, those moments made her realise the plight of those who had been immobile for a long time because they lacked the funds for prosthetic limbs.
The Feet of Grace Foundation aims to help amputees, especially those in poor communities. Its main goal is to provide prosthetic limbs and support to those who need it the most, giving them a chance to walk again.
Olumese gives hope to Nigerian amputees
Since its inception, the foundation has helped many people by providing prosthetic limbs, education, and SME financial support for amputees to start their businesses. Each person who receives help does not just get a new limb; they receive the hope of a better future.
Just like Nifemi, then a 4-year-old, who in 2015 was braiding her hair in front of their house and was unfortunately involved in a freak car accident caused by the failed break of her Father’s car that ran her over. Her legs were amputated within days of the accident, and she could no longer walk. Feet of Grace Foundation allowed her to dance again with prosthetic limbs in 2018 and another in 2022, when she outgrew the first.
To continue supporting those in need, the foundation organises 19 yearly worldwide fundraiser walks with over a thousand volunteers to raise money to help more amputees. The walks also raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities.
Advocacy and impact
Irene Olumese is a powerful advocate for people with disabilities. She has dedicated her life to advocating for their rights and working to ensure they are included in every aspect of society. Through her efforts, she has fought for better access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
In 2023, Olumese was honoured as one of Africa’s Most Impactful 100 Change Makers, recognising her significant contributions to marginalised groups’ rights. The U.S. Department of State also awarded her the International Women of Courage Award, celebrating her commitment to empowering women and promoting disability rights.
Irene Olumese strongly believes in and teaches, “Never waste your pain.” She is now a Trauma-Informed Care Specialist and Integrated Family/Couples Therapeutic Counsellor with training in Dialectic Behavioural Therapy and Trauma-Focussed CBT.
