Eno Edim is woman with albinism hails from Akwa-Ibom State but she was born in Plateau state. She is the second child in family of four children, three females and a male and only one with albinism. They lost their parents long time ago.
She had a chat with our correspondent, Bulus Baba at a roadside where she sells engine oil to make a living.
TQM: As a person with albinism, how have you been coping?
Life has really not been easy, either from parents, siblings and relatives. But then, I have to be strong and encourage myself in one way or the other to keep on interacting with people no matter what may be happening around me. I believe that it is this self-encouragement I have that have brought me this far. I am thankful to God for His grace, without Him, I would not have gotten to where I am.
I finished my primary and secondary school successfully.
During my primary and secondary school days, I was the only student with albinism. So a lot of the students, somehow don’t like me, but I still have some of them as friends.
TQM: So there was little or no discrimination from students?
Well I will not say that, but when you see the negative sides of things, you will get negative result, but when you look at the positive side, you will have positive outcome.
But my tertiary institutions, the story was not that successful.
I got admission into Plateau state polytechnic to read diploma in public administration, I managed to complete my first year but I had to stop in my second year final examination, because, I could not pay for my second year fee.
TQM: Did you apply for scholarship?
No, because, I did not come across any offer.
TQM: After that, how did you carry on with life?
Since my parents died and with no one to assist me. I started a little business of selling engine oil at sparkling junction, along Yakubu Gowon expressway here in Jos.
TQM: Are vehicle’s owners comfortable with you being a lady with albinism selling engine oil to them? And how is the patronage like?
Well, these are things that you have to face every day in life. It all depends on how you present yourself to them. Some will come and asked me, can I open their bonnet? Others will buy from me, but others will drive their cars and go.
Generally, the patronage is not much. I still appreciate God.
TQM: The president just approved the appointment of Board members of National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. What is your take on this?
I will say it is a good development because, it shows that, this government really have interest in the well-being of persons with Disability.
Let use this time to say thank you to Mr. President for this big step taken in considering PWDs.
TQM: What will be your call to people with Disability who are losing hope in life because of challenges?
They should not to lose hope, as long as there is life, there is hope, God can turn around the table at any time.
I know it is not easy, but then we should not allow fear to over shadow us. Let keep trusting for better days to come.
