Tobias Sylvester
American TV host, Ellen DeGeneres has donated $100,000 to Emeka Nnaka, a paralyzed Nigerian-American footballer known as Nnaka during her show for his good deeds.
Ellen DeGeneres said during her show that she wanted to surprise him for his good deeds and dedication towards helping others, in which over 50 persons had written letters to her describing how “incredible’’ he was.
Nnaka, 30, born of Nigerian descent, but raised in Macon, Georgia had a footballer accident nine years ago at the age of 21 while playing for a semi-pro football team and tackled an opponent during a game in Arkansas during the Oklahoma Thunder football game.
He was said to have undergone a nine-hour neck surgery and spent 10 days in intensive care before returning to Tulsa, partially paralyzed.
His apartment building, along with his belongings was said to have been engulfed by fire on Sept 19 and the van that allows him to drive himself was totaled and needed to be replaced.
His friends have been trying to raise money for him with a GoFundMe account.
Ever since the accident, Nnaka is said to be an asset to the Tulsa community because he uses his experience to motivate people to not let their circumstances define them but use them to propel them to do and be better.
He’s been engaged in helping others, especially at-risk youth in his community. He serves as a councilor for displaced and troubled youth.
He advocates for the physically challenged and countless other community projects. He inspires, encourages, and educates students and fellow citizens as a motivational speaker.
Nnaka is also a board member for Tulsa Transit has been heavily involved in raising money for the Tulsa United Way, as part of Tulsa Beyond Initiative to redesign and reimagine Tulsa high schools.
