Babatunde Fashola, known fondly as Baba, is a 22-year-old boy whose life is defined by the devastating effects of cerebral palsy. At only 70cm (2ft 4in) tall, he cannot speak or walk and depends on a feeding tube for nourishment. Abandoned by his parents as a baby, Baba has now found a home at the Cerebral Palsy Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, which has been operational for a decade. The center's founder, Nonye Nweke, is dedicated to improving the lives of children like Baba, who need constant care.
Cerebral palsy is alarmingly common in Nigeria, largely due to untreated neonatal jaundice, a condition affecting over 60% of newborns. While some cases resolve quickly, severe instances can lead to long-term neurological disorders if treatment isn't provided within the crucial first 10 days of life. Unfortunately, Nigeria lacks adequate healthcare resources to
