Diana Emmanuel is a woman with physical disability who hails from Benue State, resides in Plateau State.
This beautiful lady who is from Tiv tribe was born in Plateau State by Mr. and Mrs. Emmanuel, the third born in the family of three boys and four girls. Her father is a retired civil servant, while her mother was a trader. They were not rich, but they were at their best and provided for her and her siblings.
Diana whose her late mother hailed from Bassa Local Government of Plateau State from birth have spent all her life in Plateau State. So, Plateau State to her is her only home.
This student of Diploma in Film and Television Production at NTA college Jos, is still single and she had her disability at the age 3, she was full of life before the unfortunate incident.
In her chat with our correspondent Bulus Baba, she spoke more on how her disability happened, the challenges thereafter, her life with disability and her struggle in life to distinguish herself despite disability.
TQM: What was life like after you became a person with Disability at an early age of three?
Really, it was not easy for me as a Child, running around happily, playing among other children, suddenly within a short time, I became sick and lost the use of my legs.
Growing up in this condition was difficult, not only to me but to my parents as well, the joy of seeing their daughter growing up healthy was cut short.
The little income they had which would have been used for other things were spent for medical bills in search of a possible cure and it continued for good number of years, unfortunately, I didn’t get back on my feet. So, one can imagine the amount of money that they spent in that way.
TQM: Did you have the privilege of acquiring formal education?
Yes, even though I started late, at the age of ten years.
I can still remember how my mother, may her soul rest in peace, in her quest to have me acquire formal education, backed me and headed to St. Peters primary school Bukuru, only to be discouraged by one staff of the school whom we met on arrival, so I would have not gained admission into the school because of my disability. Even though my mother tried to explain to her my desire to be educated, she stood her ground and have denied me that opportunity claiming that a child like me cannot cope with the stress.
We felt hopeless, left her and tried another teacher, she asked why my mother was carrying a grown up child in her back. My mother then narrated her story, she was touched by the story and she helped by taking us to the head teacher and even suggested that I should be in her class. With that, the journey of my education started.
May God almighty continue to bless that kind hearted teacher of mine. I don’t know her full name, but I know her as Mrs. Bature, this is a name, I will never forget.
TQM: How did your classmates treat you?
I don’t recall much ill- treatment, especially in class, because, Mrs. Bature watchful eyes were on me. She provided that protection and comfort for me. I completed my primary school there.
TQM: After primary school what followed?
After primary school, I couldn’t go to Secondary school immediately because of financial difficulty. I stayed at home for years. I later went to Government Secondary school Bukuru, still in Jos South local government of Plateau state. I completed the Secondary Education in 2003.
In the year 2004 to 2005, I went for a diploma training in Computer Application.
Also, from 2010 – 2011. I was at Plateau State Rehabilitation centre, a training centre for physically challenge persons. There, I learnt sewing, cake baking, beads making and knitting.
For the first time in my life, I was met in large people of my kind (physically challenged persons), It was quite an experience, a good one for that matter, as we really connected well.
Upon completion, I came home and put the skills acquired into practice. I started making money from selling cakes and knitting babies seaters. Later, I added the sewing of ladies bags, processing of spices and even at a point, I went into poultry farming.
In 2017, I got admission into NTA Television College Jos. But I could not be in school that time because of financial difficulty.
But, in 2018, by God’s grace, support came from people like Mr. Zaks, the registrar, Mr. Musa Abashe of NTA College, family and friends. I was able to resume at NTA college, reading Diploma in Film and Television Production, as you can see I am still in School.
TQM: What do you consider as Challenges now as you are Studying?
Would there be life without challenges? Yes, there are challenges.
Firstly, the inaccessible nature of the buildings in the Institution, with lecture halls are upstairs and for me on a wheelchair, accessibility is my major problem, many thanks to my fellow students for always helping me out.
The Rector Mr. Barnabas is now fast transforming the collage to more accessible place for PWDs.
And secondly, I am staying on campus to lower my cost of living.
Coming from home, I spend between #600.00 to #800.00 daily on transportation.
A good person considered the difficulties I am facing and gave me Keke Napep to help ease my movement. But unfortunately, the Keke was stolen this year.
TQM: What is the role of your family in your life as a PWDs?
Ans. My family have been very supportive in whatever they can, especially, in doing things I cannot do for me. And I really appreciate them for that.
TQM: What are some of the things you can do for yourself?
I do my laundry, I cook, I keep my room, etc. I really try as much as I can to be less dependent but sometimes do need assistance.
TQM: Have you try doing other things outside, apart from schooling?
I have tried a number of things. I have contested for Miss Kpakpando in 2017 in Abuja where I represented Benue State. I was a wheelchair model at Africulfash in 2018 which took place in Jos Plateau state. I am an active choir member in my Church, Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), worshiping with a local branch, Mum Gyel close to Building Materials Market in Jos South, Plateau state.
TQM: Any parting words?
To PWDs, God have placed ability in every disability, discover your own ability and to people without disability, they should support PWDs to be the very best they can be.
