(DDM) – Nigerian kidney and liver disease survivor, Abdulrasaq Owolabi Adebajo, has shared a deeply emotional account of his survival journey in India, exposing the intense financial and emotional strain that defined his battle for life.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Adebajo shared his experience during an interview on the Talk To B Podcast on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, where he described his ordeal as a journey that went far beyond medical expectations and financial estimations.
According to Adebajo, the estimated cost for a liver transplant in Nigeria was placed between ₦100 million and ₦110 million before his travel.
However, upon arriving in India, he discovered that the real situation was far more complicated and financially draining than anticipated.
“When I got to India, the first day I arrived, I was admitted to the ICU straight up,” he recalled with emotion.
He explained that his condition was already critical due to the long 16-hour flight, which left him weak, immobile, and swollen.
Within the first week of treatment, Adebajo revealed that he spent nearly ₦20 million on emergency care alone, a shocking figure that consumed a large portion of the money initially raised for his transplant.
“We had raised about ₦70 to ₦80 million before leaving Nigeria, but it wasn’t enough,” he lamented.
He further explained that the transplant process in India required extensive evaluations, laboratory tests, and medical clearances that consumed both time and money.
Beyond the hospital walls, Adebajo recounted the bureaucratic hurdles faced while securing travel clearance and embassy approvals.
“It took us a long time to get approval. They had to confirm that we had enough money for the transplant and that my donors were fit,” he said.
He described how, despite his frail health, he had to visit the court daily to sign documents and meet legal requirements before the surgery could proceed.
In a heartfelt revelation, Adebajo disclosed that his mother eventually became his kidney donor after being previously declared unfit by Nigerian doctors.
“She was later cleared and became my donor. That’s how I survived,” he said, visibly emotional as he expressed gratitude for her selfless sacrifice.
He praised his family, friends, and well-wishers who supported him through the grueling journey, both emotionally and financially.
Adebajo’s story highlights the enormous financial burden faced by many Nigerians seeking life-saving medical treatments abroad due to limited facilities and expertise within the country.
Health experts say his experience underscores the urgent need for Nigeria to invest in modern transplant facilities, training, and healthcare infrastructure to reduce dependence on foreign medical institutions.
Adebajo’s courage and resilience continue to inspire many who are battling chronic illnesses, serving as a reminder of hope, faith, and the unbreakable bond between family and survival.