The 9ft 6in ‘Awuche’ who was diagnosed with gigantism a few years ago was attending a monthly appointment to deal with the complications of living as a blind person when he was asked to stand up straight against a measuring rod.
He said he wasn’t surprised to hear he was taller, as he never stopped growing – but it caused anxiety among staff, who were unprepared for the scenario.
The nurse on duty called her friend, who then called for more help. Soon a group of nurses and health assistants gathered to solve the puzzle of determining his height.
One suggested that he found a pole and used it as an extension on top of a stick to measure its height – and this is how he arrived at his estimate.
For each hospital visit, they still have to raise about $50 (£40).
His health problems finally forced him to return to his home village six years ago and abandon his dream of becoming a driver.
“I was planning to go to driving school, but even if I moved the seat again, I couldn’t hold the steering wheel.
He now lives with his sister – and got it after setting up a small business selling mobile phone credits.