Hi Dear, my name is UzochukwuAmaka Anita Asiegbu. But throughout my stay with you, I’ll simply be known as Amaka.
So, as this is my first episode of “My Abilities”, let me tell you a bit about myself. I am a writer, content creator, editor, project manager, story teller, disability advocate, gender advocate and all things good. I am also a Nigerian living with disability.
Now you and I know how difficult, weird and challenging it is living in Nigeria with a disability. Even without any form of disability, you too can testify that it is stressful living in my beloved country. But your reading this is a point out to the fact that you and I are somehow surviving the curve balls life throws at us. Just want to say well done. There are also perks of living with disability in Nigeria. There are times and situations my friends will tell me that they wish they were me. So yes, living with disabilities is not all about difficulties.
This section “My Abilities” is specifically dedicated to views, opinions, stories, challenges, perks, rants, wishes, lives and all those unconventional occurrences associated with living with disabilities.
For today, I just want to let you know that having any form of disability does not limit you from achieving your dreams. It does not deprive you of living life to the fullest. Disability has no say in your happiness. Your life is not over just because you have a disability. You can be and do whatever you want. It might just appear more difficult because you have one form of disability or the other but then when you put your mind to it, you can do it. And after you have done it, you will realize that it wasn’t that difficult after all. How about the joy and glory that will follow you for achieving something every other person thought you couldn’t.
I can’t even count the number of times people act surprised when I do seemingly difficult things ranging from cooking, cleaning, dancing, acquiring a degree and all sorts of things that normal people do. Despite my disability, I live a very normal life, asides my crutches, I barely require assistance to complete everyday tasks. But people, especially Nigerians have this distorted mindset that living with disabilities automatically amounts to being a burden to everyone else around us. But it’s not the truth in many cases.
Now I understand that there is some form of disabilities that require constant care and checkup. If you need human support to survive, it is great too. It is still not a limitation. We all need our fellow humans in one way or the other. My wish is that we all find ourselves among caring people who will never see us as burdens.
Again, remember that your disability is not a barrier. It is a unique feature that distinguishes you from every other people out there. Take advantage of it and be that outstanding human you have always dreamed about.
Let’s stop here for today, join me again next time as together we share stories that are unique to us alone. Till then, keep surviving Nigeria.
