Mallam Chinkoso - TLM Hero

Not all heroes are born, some are made, and in a small village along the outskirts of Kwali Local Government Area, a hero was made. Yangoji is a Peri-Urban area outside the City of Abuja home to over 600 persons and a community of people living with leprosy and other disabilities. It is located 72km away from the bustling capital city of Nigeria, Abuja on the Abuja-Lokoja expressway in Kwali area council of the Federal Capital City (FCT).

The Leprosy Colony in Yangoji, is a community created by the FCT authorities to mop up all persons affected by leprosy to settlements outside the capital city where they can be decently accommodated along with basic facilities to cater for their needs. This populated settlement is characterised by low-cost buildings and predominantly inhabited by people who are said mostly to have been cured of leprosy except for few who are typically living poor, exposed, and vulnerable lifestyles.

Mallam Chinkoso, who lives in Yangoji, was trained to take care of his own leprosy ulcers and no sooner had he learned to care for his sores, he in turn began to lead the self-care groups in Yangoji. He has since cared for over 130 people with ulcers and sores, encouraging them to adhere to their regimen.

“I treat people that have wounds, all the time, and before they know it, their wounds have healed.”

Mallam Chinkoso transforms his community through his selfless service and patient ear for the challenges his fellow community-members are facing.