A 20-year-old ward orderly at the Oyo State Maternity Hospital, Adeoyo, Ibadan, Saidat Olajumoke, has shared a powerful story of resilience, saying the disability many once pitied has now become the turning point that restored hope and dignity to her family.
Olajumoke, fondly called “Omo Chairman,” spoke during the Catch Them Young Initiative Campaign held at HLA Primary School, Gate, Ibadan on Thursday, where she encouraged persons living with disabilities to remain confident and determined despite societal discrimination.
The young health worker revealed that she once battled deep emotional pain due to abandonment, social neglect and the harsh economic conditions faced by her mother, Mrs. Sidikatu Sanusi, a level-four staff member of the Adeoyo Hospital.
According to her, the challenges at one point pushed her into contemplating suicide.
However, her life took a positive turn after she was offered employment as a ward orderly by the Oyo State Hospital Management Board during the recent recruitment of health workers in the state.
Olajumoke expressed gratitude to the Chairman of the Board, Mogaji Akin Fagbemi, noting that the opportunity not only restored her self worth but also improved the socio economic condition of her family. She added that the same people who once ignored her are now reconnecting with her.
She urged Nigerians to stop stigmatizing persons with disabilities, stressing that everyone has unique abilities that can contribute meaningfully to society if given equal opportunities.
Olajumoke also called on the Federal Government to ensure full domestication and implementation of Nigeria’s disability law, saying proper enforcement would allow persons with disabilities to compete effectively in sectors such as technology, education, security, finance, science and the arts.
While commending Governor Seyi Makinde for supporting the disability community through employment opportunities and institutional recognition, she appealed for increased funding for agencies responsible for persons with disabilities to provide adequate training, tools and learning materials.
Speaking earlier, Olajumoke’s mother, Mrs. Sidikatu Sanusi, described her daughter as talented and academically inclined but limited by physical challenges. She appealed to the Oyo State Government to assist her three other children with low-cadre jobs to support the family before her retirement in 2027.
Also speaking, the Ibadan North-East Local Government Education Secretary, represented by Mr. Tunde Akinpelu, described the initiative as a vital step towards empowering children with disabilities and improving their educational opportunities.
Similarly, education advocate Mrs. Mariam Ogundiran and a parent, Mr. Ajibola Azeez, urged parents not to neglect or underestimate the abilities of children living with disabilities, while also calling on government to fully implement disability laws for inclusive development.
Earlier, the Chief Coordinator of the Catch Them Young Initiative and Bright Lens Media Networks, Mrs. Ayodeni Aluko, encouraged persons with disabilities to remain hopeful and focused, stressing that resilience and determination can help them overcome life’s challenges.
The event also featured the inauguration of five educational clubs for pupils with disabilities at HLA Primary School, with coordinators appointed for Press, Security, Health, Environmental and Literary Debate clubs.
