Stephen Musa is amputee from Shandam local government of Plateau state who lost his left leg as a result of motor vehicle accident, He is married with three children.
In this chat with our correspondents, Joshua Yenle and Bulus Bala Izang as part of our “Connecting Our Voices to The World Project supported by Oxfam Voice, he spoke on how he coped with his amputation.
TQM. Were you able to acquire western education?
I only manage to conclude secondary school, at Government Secondary school, Gopal. But before that, l did my primary school at LGEA primary school Shandam. I took care of my education financially because my parents care little about educating us, their children.
TQM. How did you get money to pay for your education?
I was assisting people with what ever little job they have for me, especially jobs on the farms, and when l became older, l became an assistant driver when l was still in my secondary school. It was the money l got from these activities that l used to pay for my education.
TQM. Is your wife a person with disability?
Yes, she is a person with physically disability.
TQM. What about your children’s education?
All the three of them are schooling.
TQM. Who is paying for their education?
It is me and my wife, even though we are not finding it easy, sometimes, they have to stay away from classes for weeks, because we cannot afford to pay for their fees within a given time.
TQM. After the amputation, what work are you doing?
I can still drive, l have an artificial leg, which enable me to do that, but l am yet to have a car. for now, l am one of the officials of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Shandam branch, and we do get some commission out of it. I also serve as a middleman, when people want to buy rice, l go to village market and buy it for them and get some commission.
TQM. You said you can still drive, can you tell us where you have driven a car to, as an amputee?
I have driven a Sharon car from here Shandam to Kaduna town and back. I have been driving. l have a motorcycle which l ride as a personal means of transportation.
TQM. Do you have discrimination from people around you?
Sometimes l come across discrimination form people in our community but not much.
TQM. How do you behave in such a situation?
I don’t care much, to react negatively.
TQM. Do you know of Institutions, like the Plateau State Disability Rights Commission and their activities?
Yes.
TQM. Have you considered seeking redress when being discriminated upon, with the aid of such Institutions?
Yes, but l have not done it.
TQM. In doing your business, have you ever received any assistance to boost the business?
No.
TQM. What is your peal for assistance to any person reading your story?
I need financial assistance to be a rice dealer, l understand the business and the village market well. I am trusting God, if l have the money to start this business, l will do well. I have farm land which l have not put to use for sometimes now, with some money in my hands, l can give it to people to do the farming for me. I would also need assistance with my children’s education.
TQM. Thank you for your time
Thank You for coming
