If you encounter a roadblock in your pursuit of achievement, don’t back down; instead, confront it head-on and work tirelessly to overcome it. This adage describes the tale of an ambitious man who, at the age of three, contracted poliomyelitis, which nearly left him permanently disabled.
He transformed his impairment into an advantage because he was determined to resist the fate that tried to limit him.
The Full Story
Abu Ojochogwu, a 39-year-old man with a disability, is a household name in Wada Estate in Lokoja, Kogi state, for his exemplary lifestyle among his peers.
Ojochogwu, an Igala by tribe, also speaks Idoma fluently because he was partly brought up in Oyagede in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue state.
He had a brief job experience as a clerical staff member at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State. The job was a humanitarian gesture awarded to him during the Benue State sports festival, where he was adjudged the best in gymnastics—acrobatics.
Young Ojochogwu won an employment offer, a laurel, and a trophy at the sports festival because he was determined to win despite his physical disability.
The late Professor Francis Idachaba, the vice chancellor of the University of Agriculture at the time and one of the guests at the Sports Festival, was so impressed by Ojochogwu’s amazing acrobatic sports performance that he extended an unconditional job offer to him.
In the home sphere, where he battles daily to support his family of six children with a tricycle (Keke) transport business, he has a history of success stories.
Hear him, ” I have six Children two girls and four boys. We have been surviving by His grace and we are always grateful to him.
“I do this business of tricycling to transport passengers from one destination to another in Lokoja town. I survive on it with my family.
” My wife also works as a low-income earner ( office cleaner ) in one of the ministries in the Kogi state government here.
” God’s mercy has made us train our eldest daughter, Ojone, to acquire her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education, B.ED, from Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi in Bauchi State. She is presently serving in Akaibom State.
Her immediate younger brother, Eneojo, is a student at Federal University Lokoja.
None of my kids are out of school.”
His Early Life
Ojochokwu’s parents were peasant farmers in Ajitata village, Ankpa local government area, Kogi State. He was born a complete child with no deformities, but he lost both of his legs to poliomyelitis at the age of three.
During his formative years, he endured a life of deprivation, but this did not stop him from working toward his goal of starting a family and providing a solid education for them.
Where he will be in a few years
“I also want to return to school. After my son finishes his first-degree program, I wish to enrol in law studies. My lifetime goal has been to become a lawyer, and I must fulfil it.
The only thing you need before money is determination. You cannot accomplish anything if you lack determination.” He revealed.
The Fate Of People with Disability In Nigeria
When it came to the welfare of individuals with disabilities, Ojochogwu, a former secretary of people with disabilities in Kogi state, gave all tiers of government a very low rating.
According to him, the government has not taken into account the appalling circumstances that this specific set of people must endure because they are unable to act independently and require assistance from others to be moved around or given support to work.
He stated that for them to fulfil their everyday obligations and duties, the government needs to enact legislation that will offer them at least 50% comfort.
Advise To Other People With Disabilities
Ojochogwu exhorts individuals with disabilities to believe in themselves and their ability to move mountains with faith rather than viewing their impairments as obstacles.
He went on to say that they should work and pray since these two things are the keys to everyone’s success in life: contentment and prayer.
