Nigerian comedian MC Mbakara and his wife, Lolo Mbakara, have opened up about their daughter’s nine-year struggle with severe cerebral palsy, revealing that the condition was caused by a lack of oxygen at birth.
In an emotional video shared on MC Mbakara TV on Saturday, the couple recounted the harrowing circumstances surrounding the birth of their daughter, Eke Mama, born on October 19, 2016.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that appears in infancy or early childhood, permanently affecting movement, muscle coordination, posture, and balance. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), CP results from brain development disruptions caused by factors such as brain injury, bleeding, genetic changes, or insufficient oxygen supply before, during, or shortly after birth. The severity and symptoms vary widely and can also impact cognitive and sensory functions.
Lolo recalled how what began as a normal delivery quickly turned tragic when their newborn struggled to breathe.
“I went into labor, and when it was time to push, the baby got stuck,” she said. “When she finally came out, she wasn’t crying or breathing. They shouted, ‘Bring oxygen!’—but there was none available in the hospital.”
According to Lolo, hospital staff desperately tried to improvise using an empty oxygen tank filled with water, even pouring liquid on the baby in panic. With no improvement, the family rushed Eke Mama to a teaching hospital, over 30 minutes away.
“At that point, more than 30 minutes had passed,” she recounted. “She was immediately put on oxygen and remained on it for nearly two weeks.”
Doctors later confirmed that the prolonged oxygen deprivation had caused severe brain damage, leading to cerebral palsy.
The Mbakaras were even advised by a medical friend to take their daughter off life support.
“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 recalled. “But as parents, we couldn’t bring ourselves to do that.”
Now nine years old, Eke Mama has spent most of her life in a vegetative state.
“She has spent 95 percent of her life sleeping,” Lolo said tearfully. “She has been sleeping for nine years.”
Despite the immense challenges, the couple’s faith and hope have sustained them. However, they have also faced years of online criticism and trolling, with some accusing them of hiding their daughter.
“People said we were ashamed of her,” MC Mbakara said. “But people can be cruel. We just didn’t want pity or ridicule.”
Determined to turn their pain into purpose, the Mbakaras founded the Aya Kanu Aya Foundation, which raises awareness about cerebral palsy and supports families caring for children with developmental disorders.
“Many people believe these children are bewitched or possessed, instead of understanding it’s brain damage,” Lolo said. “That ignorance has to end.”
MC Mbakara added that the foundation aims to educate Nigerians and provide emotional and financial support to affected families.
“We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll this takes,” he said. “Through our story, we want to encourage other parents, they are not alone.”
The couple also expressed deep gratitude to MC Mbakara’s mother, who has been a pillar of support in caring for Eke Mama.
“She’s been our greatest help,” MC Mbakara said. “Without her, we would have been drained both emotionally and financially. We thank God every day for her and for our daughter’s life.”
The Mbakaras’ story highlights the harsh realities many Nigerian families face when caring for children with cerebral palsy and serves as a call to action to change societal perceptions of children with special needs.
