Hope and Innovation: A Bionic Arm for Nigeria

In Nigeria, a transformative innovation is emerging to address a significant need for prosthetic limbs. The story of a 25-year-old cosmetologist from Akwa Ibom, Gift Usen, sheds light on the challenges faced by many citizens with physical disabilities. Usen, who was born with only one fully developed hand, has expressed her anticipation of receiving a bionic hand. She has recounted the emotional struggle of growing up with a physical difference, but has also spoken of the self-encouragement that was necessary to navigate her life.

The exact number of Nigerians using prosthetics is not precisely documented, and for many who lack a hand or have lost a limb, prosthetic devices have been either inaccessible or prohibitively expensive. This gap in healthcare and technology is now being addressed by a Nigerian prosthetics firm called Immortal Cosmetic Art.

It is hoped that the company will officially launch production with the financial backing of the government or non-governmental organizations. Such support is considered essential to make these prosthetics affordable for the average Nigerian. The company has already garnered attention and received orders from international clients in the United States, Britain, Australia, and Ghana, who have been drawn to the advanced features of the humanoid bionic arm.

The CEO of Immortal Cosmetic Art, John Amanam Sunday, has highlighted the unique qualities of the device. It has been noted that while bionics are available in other parts of the world, what is offered here are hyper-realistic bionic forms. This means that they not only function but also have a lifelike, human appearance. The bionic arms are said to be a step beyond what is currently available on the market, as they are not merely static but are fully functional and aesthetically pleasing. A particularly significant feature that has been noted is the availability of the prosthetics in black skin tones, a crucial consideration given the target demographic.

The Ubokobong Bionic Arm has been described as being built for Africans by Africans, and it has already received multiple orders even before its official launch. The inspiration for this groundbreaking innovation came from a deeply personal experience. The idea for a hyper-realistic bionic arm was conceived after Amanam’s younger brother, Ubokobong, lost his fingers in an accident involving firecrackers six years ago. The emotional distress that the brother experienced due to the inability to find artificial fingers in Nigeria that matched his skin tone served as the catalyst for John Amanam to establish Immortal Cosmetic Art.

Initially, the prosthetics created by the company were purely aesthetic and lacked functional capabilities. Recognizing this limitation, Ubokobong, with his background in technology and electronics, took on the challenge of developing a working solution. Following three years of dedicated research, he successfully created the Ubokobong Bionic Arm. This collaboration between the brothers has resulted in a product that addresses both the functional and psychological needs of individuals with limb differences. The story of this innovation highlights how personal adversity can be transformed into a solution that benefits a wider community. The efforts of Immortal Cosmetic Art are not only providing a practical tool but are also restoring a sense of normalcy and confidence to people who have long been marginalized by the lack of affordable and suitable prosthetic options. The future of prosthetics in Nigeria is now being viewed with a new sense of optimism, driven by the ingenuity and perseverance of local innovators.