Overcoming kyphosis: The inspiring journey of Emmanuel Maduforo

By Otabor Osareniye

At four years of age, a hale and hearty Emmanuel Okwus Maduforo had an encounter that changed his life forever—one whose memory he no longer has but cannot forget.

Maduforo, the CEO of Skill Tech Network, developed Kyphosis (hunchback) in a manner he termed spiritual. In his words, “I was not born this way, but due to poisoning at the age of four, which is always a deep tale.”

Kyphosis is a spinal condition characterised by an excessive outward curve of the upper back, leading to a hunched or rounded appearance. It can be caused by several factors, including degenerative diseases, developmental issues, trauma, or, as Maduforo believes, a sudden medical condition.

In severe cases, kyphosis may cause pain, breathing difficulties, and challenges in maintaining proper posture, as the spine’s natural alignment is disrupted. While it can be treated through physical therapy, bracing, or surgery in some cases, others, like Maduforo, are left to adapt to life with the condition.

Sharing his story, Maduforo revealed that during a visit to the village for his grandfather’s remembrance in Imo State, he was poisoned, and that was the beginning of his ordeal.

He stated that he picked up a substance and inhaled it, after which he went into a coma. He was rushed to a church, prayed for, and regained consciousness three days later.

Two months after the poisoning incident, little Emmanuel began to experience unusual body aches, which he described as stroke-like. Symptoms including excess fatigue and shortness of breath led his parents to seek help from various sources, including traditional medicine, churches, and hospitals—all to no avail—as he soon began developing a hunchback.

Kyphosis gradually set in, and Maduforo managed the pain until his teenage years when it stopped. However, he had to live with the physical deformity and the social stigma associated with it for the rest of his life.

Efforts for Treatment Put on Hold

Later efforts to get treatment abroad was stopped as he believed his case was spiritual, and he accepted his fate without bitterness. According to Mr. Maduforo, “I refused my uncle’s offer to take me overseas for surgical operations because, to me, it was more of a spiritual problem.”

However, how wrong or right could he have been?

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Education Not Put on Hold

Although unwell, Maduforo’s parents ensured that he received a good education. The young man, fondly called “Prof”, was attending a Catholic primary school at the time and received the gift of inclusive education. Special time was mapped out for his daily resumption at school, considering his frail health, as it took him a long time to walk there. Despite his condition, his brilliance shone through.

No Job: Hunchback Not Allowed

Despite proving that he wasn’t limited physically or intellectually, Maduforo recounted his struggles with unemployment. After his education, he found it difficult to gain employment for the longest time, as employers didn’t see him fit to take on roles despite his mental prowess and qualifications.

A Walk of Strength

“I never see myself as weak or disabled. I don’t have that mindset. What everyone does, I can do. Disability only starts with the mind.” That is Maduforo’s stance.

Trained in martial arts, specialising in Tai Chi and kickboxing, Maduforo stamps his love for fitness exercises and proves that he is not limited by his physical condition.

The social entrepreneur, whose focus is on enterprise development, training, technology, and social community development, mainly toward national development, stated, “Challenges are part of life, and you cannot pray them away, but you can seek counsel, wisdom, and knowledge to manage them. They come in diverse forms and keep coming as you step into new stages or seasons of life.”

The death of his parents within a three-year range dealt him a big blow, but he learned early to be independent and to keep striving. “In our lineage, we don’t count failure; we look toward success,” he said.

Mr. Maduforo has read many books and learned from various experienced individuals. He discovered that “challenges can only be managed by the person himself. Learn to always grow in knowledge and surround yourself with the right team of friends.”

According to Emmanuel Maduforo, his greatest strength is to “JUST BE FOCUSED” and see yourself as the head in all levels of life. “I was able to overcome challenges by not seeing weakness or failure in my life’s diary. Through innovation, a positive mindset, sharing knowledge, helping others, and continuous learning, I have found my strength.” Maduforo stated that his hunchback propelled his journey to continuos growth and development.

He said, “My achievements are my wealth of knowledge and seeing others I mentored succeed in all levels of life. I am still on the path to success.

“Also, being able to help others get their businesses registered under the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is a joy in my entrepreneurial journey. I have always been a counselor to many around me, regardless of their age.”

Mr. Maduforo’s advice to those with disabilities is that they should not allow their challenges to demote them. Rather, their challenges should promote them to learn and improve themselves.