Amputation is the surgical removal of a part of the body; it could be a hand, a leg, a finger, or any limb. In Africa, many amputations happen because of road accidents, while others are caused by illnesses such as diabetes, infections, or even cancer.
For Aver Akighir, her journey with amputation began 22 years ago. Fresh out of secondary school, she was knocked down by a vehicle on her way back from church. She woke up in a hospital bed with a broken leg, but the diagnosis quickly became more severe. Doctors discovered she had developed gangrene, a life-threatening infection, and the only option was amputation.
It was a decision no young girl should face. Her parents, overwhelmed with grief, could not bring themselves to sign the consent form. They couldn’t imagine their daughter living without a leg. But in the midst of pain and courage, Aver asked the doctors if she could sign for herself and she did. That decision saved her life.
Life after surgery, however, was not the same. Home felt unfamiliar. Her community felt distant. Disability had made the ordinary difficult to move around, communicate, and simply fit into society. Aver longed for someone who could guide her through life as an amputee, but she found none. The only people with disabilities her family ever saw were beggars on the street, and she feared her life would follow the same path.
Hopelessness nearly consumed her. But eight months later, as her former classmates began sharing their admission letters to universities, something sparked inside her. She asked herself: “Is this how I will remain? If nobody will help me, can I help myself?” That moment became a turning point.
Aver went back to school, starting with a Diploma in Education before moving on to study Mass Communication at the university. Education gave her not just knowledge but also healing and a new sense of purpose. She promised herself that she would return to hospitals to encourage other amputees, letting them know there is life after amputation.
Her experience transformed her outlook. Before the accident, Aver’s life was mostly about her own future. Afterward, she became more empathetic, more people-centered, and deeply passionate about humanity. From this passion, she founded Hope Alive for Possibilities Initiative, an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria. She now also serves as the Women Leader of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), FCT Chapter.
Beyond advocacy, Aver is also a successful entrepreneur. She runs a thriving cake and pastry business, channeling her love for art into her craft. Every cake she designs is a canvas, every decoration a painting. But the journey hasn’t been easy. Many clients doubt her abilities once they realize she is an amputee. Too often, people see disability before they see potential.
Still, Aver perseveres. She encourages other women with disabilities to pursue entrepreneurship: “Learn your craft, master it, and let your work speak louder than your disability,” she advises. Her story is proof that passion and skill can break barriers.
She recalls a striking moment when a customer who loved her cake referred her to a friend. But upon discovering that Aver was an amputee, the friend withdrew: “I’ll get back to you,” she said, but she never did. Moments like these highlight the ongoing struggle for inclusion faced by amputees in Africa.
One of the biggest barriers is access to prosthetic limbs, which remain unaffordable luxuries for many. Aver points to Botswana, where the government subsidizes prosthetics, and calls on other African nations to do the same or even make them free. Accessibility, she insists, should not be a privilege.
Through it all, Aver continues to inspire. Her message to those who have recently undergone amputation is simple yet powerful: “I know it feels like your world has ended, but it hasn’t. Take your time to heal. Love yourself. Disability does not redefine your life unless you allow it to. You are a gift, and the world is waiting for what you can offer.”
Today, Aver stands tall as an advocate, an entrepreneur, and a community leader. She believes disability did not choose wrongly when it chose her. Instead, it shaped her into someone strong enough to turn pain into purpose. She has no regrets. Through her cakes, she brings joy to families; through her advocacy, she builds hope for others. Her story is not just her own; it is a beacon of light for anyone learning to rise above adversity.
Globally, amputation is a life-altering medical intervention that affects over 1 million people each year. The causes vary ranging from trauma and diabetes to vascular diseases and cancer but the physical and emotional impacts are universally profound. In many parts of the world, especially low-income and marginalized communities, access to rehabilitation, prosthetics, and post-operative support remains a major challenge. While countries like the United States and parts of Europe have made strides in integrating amputees into society through policy and innovation, much of the Global South including African and Caribbean nations still battles stigma, limited funding, and systemic barriers. Stories like Aver Akighir’s shine a vital light on the strength, creativity, and advocacy emerging from these underserved regions, reminding us of the need for global equity in disability rights and access.
