Abigail Amali Ahinche is a single lady with physical disability from birth, she is from a family of six children, three males and three females. One of her male sibling was also a person with disability, his disability was also from birth but he is late now. Her mother and father are retired civil servants.
The beautiful Abagail did her primary school at SDA primary school Laranto, in Jos local government of Plateau state and thereafter she went to Girls High School Gindiri, in Mangu local government.
She acquired a Diploma in Computer Application, after which, she went to Jos Ecwa Theological Seminary (JETS), where she obtained degree and masters in Psychology and Biblical Counselling.
In this interview conducted by Bulus Bala Izang and Joshua Yenle, she talked about her challenges and discrimination faced in the society.
TQM. Are you working, if yes, where are you working?
I am working with local government educational authority here in Bassa.
TQM. Let’s talk about acceptability, are you accepted at home and the society?
I Would say, l am a privilege person, my acceptability started with parents, then my siblings, they did not only accepted me as a person and member of the family, but they also supported and still support me to live and have a good and pleasant life. They are just wonderful.
TQM. What about the community or society, is there any experience of rejection or discouragement?
People with disabilities normally face these things in life. I could remember, when l was in Secondary school, a serving member(a lady) of National youth service corps (NYSC), on seeing my disability, said that people without disabilities are struggling to get employment, not to talk of you (me) with disability. Why are you suffering yourself to school? Indicating my Schooling or education will be of no use or benefit to me.
A lot of people have said something in this line to me. But even with these, l still have the courage to continue with my education to the level l have attended today.
TQM. How do you manage rejection or discouragement like this?
To me, it is easier, because, l depend on God and love the Lord Jesus Christ. I know God have a purpose for me and that purpose shall come to pass in life. I don’t worry myself with negative things people think or say about me. For I know, l am fearfully and wonderfully made by God.
TQM.As a lady with disability, what would you say, is the common challenge that ladies with disabilities face?
I think ladies with Disabilities, face discouragement in becoming who or what they want to become in life.
I went to a theological Institution, and people asked me, if, l want to become a pastor, knowing that, the Church l worship with, don’t accept women as pastors. Some asked me, with all the education l have, what am l going to do with it?
Things like these, discourage ladies with disabilities from going after their dreams.
TQM. Outside your work with the local government, what other engagement are you into?
I own and run a provision shop, l also produce shampoos and liquid soap, which l sell for additional income.
TQM. Have you received any financial support from the government to boost your business?
I have not received such support yet.
TQM. Lastly, what would your personal appeal be to the government and other members of the society towards your business?
I would like financial assistance so that l can have a big store, where I can sell things at wholesale price, and to be producing my products in large scale.
TQM. Thank you for your time
Ans. You are welcome.
