Dad rejected family’s advice not to educate me – Physically challenged man

Michael Adebisi, 35, who is wheelchair-bound from Ilesa, Osun State, tells ABDULLATEEF FOWEWE the challenges he is facing with his disability and his determination to succeed

 What are you doing for a living?

I am Michael Adebisi. I operate a football viewing centre and I am from Ilesa, Osun State. I am 35 years old.

How old were you when you realised that you had a physical disability?

I was seven years old when it (disability) happened to me. My Mummy said I slept, and I woke up paralysed.

What difficulties did you experience during your childhood?

I encountered many challenges, but the most significant one was related to my education. I began attending school late because of the obstacles. Throughout my primary, secondary, and even tertiary education, it was extremely challenging, but thanks to God, I managed to graduate.

Which school did you graduate from, and what did you study?

I completed my studies in Industrial Chemistry at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State, in 2014. However, I intended to study Pharmacy, but the school enrolled me in Industrial Chemistry due to the challenging nature of the Pharmacy programme.

What were some of the challenges you faced in school?

Undeniably, some lecture halls in our school do not cater to individuals with disabilities, which posed significant challenges for me. Nevertheless, I managed to overcome the difficulties with the help of God and some of my colleagues.

Were there moments when the challenges made you feel like quitting?

Well, throughout my education, I doubted my ability to complete it, but I managed to with gratitude towards God.

Did you attend a special school as a child?

I attended school alongside able-bodied students. Although it was not easy, I managed to overcome the obstacles.

Did anyone ever discourage you from going to school?

Yes. Some of my family members advised my daddy against investing time and money in me with my situation and urged him to focus on other siblings and move forward. However, my dad firmly rejected their suggestions and chose not to abandon me.

Has your condition hindered you from realising any of your childhood dreams or aspirations?

Yes. Because when I was young, I had aspirations of becoming a professional footballer, but this dream was cut short due to the challenges I faced as a child.

What was your childhood like?

Unfortunately, I did not have the same enjoyable childhood experiences as my other friends. As a young child facing such challenges, there were always limitations to what I could do.

Did your parents seek help to overcome your disability?

Yes, they made sincere efforts. They explored different hospitals and sought assistance from traditional healers and churches. But we continue to praise God regardless of the outcome.

Have you ever been informed of the medical terminology for your ailment?

Indeed, it was officially reported as poliomyelitis. Meanwhile, my parents did many things to prevent it. Despite receiving numerous drugs and treatments, my condition remains unchanged.

Were there instances where you had expectations of being able to walk again?

Yes, of course, I am still optimistic about it till now.

What kind of support did you get from your siblings?

My siblings have been exceptional and have greatly facilitated this journey for me. Though my father is deceased, he and my mother profoundly influenced the person I have become today. I commend them, and may my father's soul rest in peace; my mother is still alive, and I pray she lives long enough to eat the fruit of her labour.

What form of discrimination have you faced with the way you are?

I have encountered considerable discrimination both in and outside of school. Unfortunately, some people erroneously associate individuals using wheelchairs with begging, which is incorrect. Occasionally, some individuals chase after me to offer money, thinking I am a beggar, but I often refuse. Additionally, it is incredibly difficult for a person with a disability to find a sincere and trustworthy partner, as it requires the grace of God. Giving up is not an option for me, because I motivate myself with the belief that no condition is ever permanent.

How have you been able to cope with this challenge?

I never allow the challenge to burden me. I completed my education and have even started a business despite the lack of employment opportunities in the country.

Have you ever reached a point where you lost hope in life and contemplated suicide?

Yes. But, the constant encouragement from my family is what keeps me motivated.

Did you obtain any skills?

Yes. I enrolled in the production of paint when I was doing my National Youth Service Corps in Osun State. However, I attended the NYSC camp for registration, and I was back in my preferred state due to my condition.

How did the one year of service look like for you?

I must admit that I felt amazing and far less stressed, compared to my time in the university.

Are you married and do you have children?

No. I am single and I have no children.

Have you ever been in a relationship?

Yes, I have been in several relationships, but they didn't lead to marriage. As I mentioned before, dating a person with a disability requires a lot of encouragement. Family issues also contribute to some of the challenges faced in such relationships. The families of the women discourage them from dating us, perceiving us as a burden on their children. This viewpoint is entirely erroneous. Furthermore, individuals living with disabilities who lack financial stability may face difficulties in getting married, especially men.

Would you consider being in a relationship with a disabled single lady who is willing to marry you?

The reason it may be challenging is because both of us will require assistance. Getting married may not be the best choice for our future improvement.

Did you have supportive friends that you would say influenced you positively?

Yes, a lot. Moving around with my friends has been a tremendous source of motivation for me, as they never underestimate me, or discriminate against me.

In what ways have your challenges have strengthened you?

The challenges have indeed strengthened me, as I now possess the confidence to face any challenge that comes my way, even if they are so cumbersome. I have seen a lot, and I believe that the challenges coming up cannot be up to the ones I have faced.

Would you like to share a story of a moment when you overcame a huge obstacle?

Well, I can still vividly recall my time working on my university project as a Chemistry student. Final-year projects are always demanding and filled with laboratory work. However, when my supervisor expressed concern about how I would cope given my circumstances, I assured him that I had faith in God to guide me through. Ultimately, God displayed his power, and I completed and defended my project. I am indeed grateful to God.

What misconceptions do you think some Nigerians have about people living with disabilities?

It is incorrect and unfair for some Nigerians to believe that individuals with disabilities are useless and not valuable to society also if you are a person with a disability and you're competing for a job with someone who is able-bodied, the employer may favour the person who is able-bodied based on the assumption that you are incapable. On the contrary, we are one of the most useful groups of people that God has ever created.

What is your greatest motivation in life?

There is a common saying that constantly motivates me: ‘If you can dream it, you can achieve it'. That is my greatest motivation and that is what keeps me going.

Can you share one of your most memorable moments?

One of the most unforgettable moments in my life was when I received an offer to study at the university. I had initially believed that I would only stop my education at the secondary school level, so being able to attend university filled me with immense happiness and joy.

As football is a seasonal occupation. What other means of employment have you pursued?

Currently, I am unemployed and seeking assistance from fellow Nigerians to help me secure a good job to enable me to provide for myself and my family.

There was a recent viral social media post where it was mentioned that Davido requested someone to obtain your contact information. Has there been any progress on that?

Yes, and I am very grateful to him for sending me N1m to support my business. May God bless him abundantly.

What was your reaction when you received the money?

I was so overwhelmed by his generosity, especially since it happened on my birthday. I never expected to receive such a large amount. And this is the first time I received such an amount. I was so happy about it to the extent that I was crying. My mother was also filled with immense happiness and offered heartfelt prayers for Davido and his team.

Do you plan to invest the money in the football viewing centre, or are you considering another venture?

There is another business idea I am thinking of investing in, though I am not ready to disclose it to anyone yet, but as time goes on, it will be revealed. However, the money will have some major effect in reviving my moribund business, and it is such a great opportunity for me because my main goal is to own the land I am currently using so that I can stop paying rent.

What inspires you to pursue the type of business you are engaged in?

Despite my disability, I am passionate about sports and would have pursued a career in football if not for my limitations and condition. Therefore, taking on this job is a way for me to complement my ambition because there are limited employment opportunities for me. Also, to be able to provide for me and my family is my main goal for opening the football viewing centre.

How do you relate with your customers?

As an educated person, I prioritise building strong relationships with customers with a sense of humour; I also do listen to customers, as active listening is a skill like any other, and I need to practice it because it is a competitive business.

What are your goals and aspirations for the future?

My ultimate life goal is to become wealthy and have the ability to help and inspire others and guide individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, I believe even in difficult circumstances, positive outcomes can still emerge.

How has your personal experience influenced you?

Despite the challenges I have faced, I am still making progress, and God's grace has had a significant impact on me.

What do you think other people with disabilities can learn from you?

They should believe in themselves, no matter the circumstances. Do not allow others to underestimate their worth. They should have the belief that they can achieve anything as long as they are still alive, and know that committing suicide is not an option. However, my top advice is to be self-sufficient. My people should not use their disabilities as an excuse to encourage laziness. If you want to pursue education, go for it. Similarly, if you want to learn a trade, let's do it. Begging for assistance or handouts will not lead to meaningful progress. If you help yourself, there are people ready to support you. They should not underestimate their worth. We were born with greatness.

Do you think that the government has done enough to help people living with disabilities?

Well, I will say no because, In Nigeria, the well-being of people with disabilities has not been adequately addressed. Schooling poses challenges, acquiring job skills is difficult, and finding employment is also a struggle, regardless of whether one is a graduate or not. Being disabled in this country limits the opportunities for enjoyment, which is not supposed to be like that.

Would you recommend that Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State should also embrace the idea of appointing some individuals with disabilities into his cabinet, similar to what his Kwara State counterpart did last year?

I would advise him to do so, as it shows that people with disabilities have been acknowledged properly in the state. It is important to remember that we may be physically disabled, but we are not mentally disabled. We are capable and can contribute significantly to the overall development of the state and the country at large.

What are you expecting from the government and individuals regarding people with disabilities?

It is paramount for the government and blessed individuals to include us in their plans, recognising that we are humans just like everyone else. We can contribute more to society than some able-bodied people.

How has your condition affected your relationship with people in your community?

Well, being a cheerful person has had a significant positive impact on me as it attracts others to help and support me; everyone around me loves me and they understand what I can do and the things I cannot do.

Where do you hope to find yourself in the coming years?

I hope to be in positions of influence and affluence that will enable me to assist those who are less fortunate, and I constantly express gratitude for my life and the blessings bestowed upon me by God. However, I am always grateful for life and the gift God has given me.

What are the most important life lessons you've learned?

It is crucial to never underestimate oneself, regardless of the circumstances we may find ourselves in.