MY DREAM IS ABOUT TO BE ABORTED: VISUALLY-IMPAIRED STUDENT CRIES OUT

By Ade Olu, Awka

In a society where disability is largely seen as a justification for alms begging, there are persons with disabilities, (PWDs), whose passions and dreams cannot be paralyzed by their physical disabilities. Many of them have risen against odds to achieve uncommon feats in life.

Nkamenyi Patience Eyibio, who hails from Idere Clan in Odukpani Local Government Area in Cross River State, is in this category.

“I am the first daughter of a single mother of three children. I have two siblings (a boy and a girl) and my mother is the only one catering for us. I never knew my father.

When Patience was born with her two eyes working perfectly, she had no premonition that she would lose her sight someday in life. “I lost my sight when I was 10 years old. Between age 5 and 7, I discovered while playing with my younger ones that when they threw something up and asked me to go and pick it, I would just be looking for it and would not see it. But the thing is there. Then, I could walk about without any aid”.

“When my mother saw that I have eye problem, they took me to the hospital. At the hospital they said that I should not wear eye glasses so that my eyes would not go blind fast. They recommended eye drops and other drugs which I was using”.

Unfortunately, the economic hardship overwhelmed the family and they could no longer pay attention to her medication. The dreaded fate eventually befell her.

“My mum is a small scale farmer. She cultivates cassava and other crops. When she could no longer get money, they stopped buying the drugs. From there, I got totally blind”.

The incident was meant to ruin her dream but the 26-year old Patience has been resolute. She studied at Saint Joseph Center for Visually Handicap in Ibudu, Cross River State, where she learnt how to read and write Braille, typing with typewriter, use of computer among other skills.

“After that, I gain admission into Saint Michael Secondary School Uguoba in Oji River Local Government Area at Enugu State”.

Still burning with the desire to be a graduate, Patience sought and was offered an admission into the Department of Adult and Continuing Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, where she is now at 200 level.

Unfortunately, she has not been able to pay her tuition for the new session. Consequently, she is emotionally stressed and agitated. “I have no one to help me and my mum does not have the ability. I have accepted all that have befallen me as my fate. But, I believe I can still make something great out of life”.

“The only time I feel bad is when everyone is writing and I am not writing. It is painful. But, my friends and course mates have been of help. I will always beg them to help me record with their phones since I don’t have a good phone. But sometimes, they decline. So, I need a good phone or recorder to record my lectures. I need to pay my rent. I need money to transport myself to school”.

Without these needs met, Patience is sure to discontinue with her education and her earnest prayer now is for destiny helpers who will help her to continue her academic journey at the Ivory Tower (UNIZIK).

“I am appealing to public-spirited individuals to please assist to keep me in school. My mother has reached her elastic limit and I am about to have my academic and life dream aborted,” said the strong-willed visually impaired student.

Already, the deadline for tuition payment has elapsed. “The deadline is 10th of July 2023, which is today. But, I am still hoping that God will use anyone to meet my needs.

Regardless of her physical disability, Patience is poised to make her marks in any field of human endeavour she finds herself. Before I want to read

Patience will be home and dry if well meaning, public spirited Nigerians come to her aid in this critical time. Those who are touched by her situation can extend help to her by reaching out to her on 08143499017 or the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Anambra State Council, Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu on 08060750240. Patience’s account details are as follows:

Account Name: Patience Eyibio
Bank: First Bank
Account number: 3139630368.

Patience, is upbeat that her dream now seriously challenged, will not be terminated. But, this is largely dependent on how everyone who comes across the report reacts to her situation.