A 20-year-old ward orderly at the Oyo State Maternity Hospital, Adeoyo, Ibadan, Saidat Olajumoke, has described her disability not as a curse but as a blessing that has ultimately brought hope and restoration to her family.
Olajumoke, popularly known as “Omo Chairman,” made the remark on Thursday during the Catch Them Young Initiative Campaign held at HLA Primary School, Gate, Ibadan.
The young health worker and disability advocate said despite the challenges she faced growing up, including social neglect and abandonment, her condition had unexpectedly become a source of renewed hope for her family.
According to her, there was a time she contemplated suicide due to the harsh realities of life and the difficult circumstances faced by her mother, Mrs. Sidikatu Sanusi, a Level 4 staff member at the same hospital.
However, she said her life took a positive turn when the Chairman of the Oyo State Hospital Management Board, Mogaji Akin Fagbemi, facilitated her employment as a ward orderly during the recent recruitment of medical workers in the state.
Olajumoke expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying the job had restored her dignity, rekindled hope, and improved her social relationships.
She noted that many people who once distanced themselves from her had now begun to reconnect.
The disability advocate urged Nigerians to stop discriminating against persons living with disabilities and instead promote equality and inclusion in all spheres of life.
“Nigerians should stop looking down on persons with disabilities. No one is completely free from one form of limitation or the other. Social equality will greatly improve Nigeria in every sector. Persons with disabilities also possess strength, wisdom, talents and intuition just like everyone else,” she said.
Olajumoke also commended the enactment of the disability law in Nigeria but called on the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure its full domestication and implementation to enable persons with disabilities compete fairly across sectors such as finance, security, technology, education, science and the arts.
She further applauded the Oyo State Government under Governor Seyi Makinde for supporting the disability community through appointments and employment opportunities.
According to her, the establishment of a disability agency headed by the Director-General, Barrister Ayodele Adekanmbi, alongside other officials and special assistants across the 33 local government areas, has strengthened advocacy and support for persons with disabilities in the state.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts, she appealed for increased funding of disability institutions to provide adequate training, tools and equipment for pupils and students living with disabilities.
“We will always appreciate Governor Seyi Makinde for the hope he has given to the disability community through appointments and employment in the teaching and health sectors. However, more support is needed, particularly in funding training programmes and providing essential learning tools and equipment,” she said.
In her remarks, Olajumoke’s mother, Mrs. Sanusi, said her daughter was born at a time when the family was experiencing serious marital challenges.
She described Saidat as an intelligent and talented young woman with artistic and scientific abilities whose potential had been limited by her disability.
Mrs. Sanusi appealed to the Oyo State Government and the Hospital Management Board to assist her three other children — Rukayatu Muili, Ismail Muili and Sarafadeen Muili — with low-cadre jobs to help ease the family’s economic burden before her retirement in 2027.
“As the government has promised to support Saidat’s siblings due to her active social participation despite her disability, we humbly appeal for assistance. This will wipe away my tears,” she said.
She added that apart from her hospital duties, she survives by grinding wet corn and engaging in other menial jobs to support the family.
“The economic situation is tough. If my children are gainfully engaged, there will be some relief for the family. I sincerely plead for help,” she lamented.
Also speaking, the Ibadan North-East Local Government Education Secretary, represented by the Head of General Administration and Services, Mr. Tunde Akinpelu, commended the initiative, describing it as an important step towards building a better future for children with disabilities.
He urged government authorities to strengthen support for special schools to encourage both students and teachers.
Similarly, an education and socio-economic advocate, Mrs. Mariam Ogundiran, and a parent at HLA Primary School, Mr. Ajibola Azeez, urged parents of children with disabilities to nurture their talents while calling on government to fully implement disability laws to ensure equal opportunities for all.
Earlier, the Chief Coordinator of the Catch Them Young Initiative and Bright Lens Media Networks, Mrs. Ayodeni Aluko, encouraged persons with disabilities to remain confident and determined in pursuing their dreams.
She said with resilience, focus and faith, they could overcome societal barriers and achieve success.
As part of the programme, five educational clubs were inaugurated at HLA Primary School for pupils with disabilities. The clubs and their coordinators include Mercy Osunnuwa (Press Club), John Oladeji (Security Club), Yusroh Sodiq (Health Club), Idera Adebowale (Environmental Club), and Olayiwola Azeez (Literary and Debate Club).
