UYO, Nigeria — For 25-year-old Gift Usen, born in Akwa Ibom, life has been a journey of courage. She grew up with only one fully developed hand.
“I grew up to see myself with one and a half hands. Most times I felt discouraged, but I had to encourage myself because this is how I saw it. I didn’t create myself,” she said.
Usen, now a cosmetologist, has waited years for an affordable prosthetic that suits her body. For her, that dream may soon come true.
The Birth of a Nigerian Innovation
Nigeria has no official data on how many citizens live with amputations. But thousands cannot access prosthetics due to cost or availability.
That is what Immortal Cosmetic Art, a startup in Uyo, hopes to change with its invention — the Ubokobong Bionic Arm.
The arm is designed with electromyography signals, which allow brain impulses to control hand muscles. More than looks, it is built to function like a real arm.
“Bionics are readily available in other parts of the world. But what we have here are hyper-real bionic forms, which means they look human-like and yet functional,” said CEO John Amanam, a former Nollywood special effects artist.
He added: “They are not just static, they are functional and human-like. The most beautiful part of it is that it is black skin coloured.”
The Ubokobong Bionic Arm is already attracting global attention, with orders from the United States, Britain, Australia, and Ghana.
From Pain to Purpose
The innovation was born from tragedy. Six years ago, Amanam’s younger brother, Ubokobong, lost his fingers to exploding firecrackers during a New Year’s Eve celebration.
Frustrated that prosthetics available in Nigeria did not match his skin tone, the brothers decided to act.
John crafted hyper-realistic cosmetic prosthetics. Ubokobong, drawing on his training in technology and electronics, pushed further to add movement and control.
After three years of research, the Ubokobong Bionic Arm became reality. It is designed by Africans, for Africans, yet has global relevance.
Do you believe local innovation like this could make Nigeria a global leader in medical technology?
Hopes for Wider Access
Immortal Cosmetic Art is preparing for official production but says it needs government or NGO support to make the arms affordable to everyday Nigerians.
Despite the challenges, optimism is high.
“When we are launching it will be my greatest happiness ever. Finally, I’ll have two hands. You know, maybe feel,” Usen said, her face bright with hope.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment💬, share this article, and join us on our social media handles. You can also Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
