Popular Nigerian comedian, MC Mbakara, and his wife, Lolo Mbakara, have opened up about their daughter’s heartbreaking nine-year struggle with severe cerebral palsy, revealing that the condition began when she was deprived of oxygen during birth.Nigerian fashion brands

 

 

 

In a deeply emotional video shared on MC Mbakara TV, the couple narrated how what was meant to be one of their happiest moments turned into a lifelong battle for survival for their daughter, Eke Mama, who was born on October 19, 2016.

 

 

 

 

 

According to Lolo, her delivery was progressing normally until complications arose.

 

 

 

“I went into the labour room, and it was time to push. But somehow the baby was stuck,” she recalled. “When the baby came out, she wasn’t crying, she wasn’t breathing. They said, ‘Bring oxygen!’ — but there was no oxygen in the hospital.”

 

 

 

She explained that in a desperate attempt to save the newborn, hospital staff tried to improvise with an empty oxygen tank containing water. When that failed, the family had to rush the baby to another hospital — a trip that took more than 30 minutes.

 

 

 

“We had to move her ourselves to the teaching hospital. By then, over 30 minutes had passed,” she said.

 

 

 

At the new hospital, doctors placed the baby on oxygen for two weeks. Unfortunately, the prolonged lack of oxygen had already caused severe brain damage, leading to cerebral palsy — a lifelong disorder that affects movement and muscle coordination.

 

 

 

“One of my husband’s medical friends said, ‘If you want a stress-free life, take off the oxygen mask and let her rest,’” Lolo revealed tearfully. “But as parents, we couldn’t bring ourselves to do it.”

 

 

 

Now nine years old, Eke Mama has spent most of her life bedridden.

 

 

 

“She has spent 95 percent of her life sleeping,” Lolo said. “She has been sleeping for nine years.”

 

 

 

MC Mbakara, who is known for his humorous skits, said their family has endured years of pain, faith, and public misunderstanding.

 

 

 

“People said we were ashamed of her,” he said. “But human beings can be mean. We didn’t want pity or ridicule.”

 

 

 

Turning their pain into purpose, the couple have now launched the Aya Kanu Aya Foundation, aimed at raising awareness about cerebral palsy and supporting families with children facing similar conditions.

 

 

 

“People call these children bewitched or possessed instead of understanding it’s brain damage,” Lolo said. “That ignorance must stop.”

 

 

 

MC Mbakara added that the foundation would also provide emotional and financial support to affected families.

 

 

 

“We know the stress it takes, financially, emotionally, physically. We want to use our story to encourage other parents — you are not alone.”

 

 

 

The couple expressed deep gratitude to MC Mbakara’s mother, who has been a major pillar of support.

 

 

 

“If not for her, we would have been drained emotionally and financially,” MC Mbakara said. “We thank God every day for her and for our daughter’s life.”

 

 

 

Their story has touched many Nigerians online, with viewers praising the couple’s courage, faith, and decision to speak out about a condition that is often misunderstood in society.Nigerian fashion brands

 

 

 

The Mbakaras’ journey is a painful reminder of the realities many Nigerian families face in the healthcare system — and a powerful call for more awareness, compassion, and support for children living with cerebral palsy.