Visually Impaired people often encounter numerous challenges in African Society but despite the hurdles, some of them are determined in their hearts to live their dreams and create positive impacts globally. One of such individuals is Mr Ubong Udo who has scuffled for years to achieve his goals in a society that is not disability friendly.
Ubong was born like every other normal child, he was full of life and his parents were on cloud nine to have a bouncing baby boy to be part of their lives. But Ubong encountered rock bottom when he lost his sight in his teens and had to fight to adapt to his new phase of life.
Interestingly, his draw-dropping determination has not only distinguished him from the PWDs community, but he has dared the odds to achieve more unprecedented feats in life.
Sharing his life-touching story on the Voice Your Stories platform, Mr Ubong Udo narrates his struggles, pains, hurdles and societal discrimination he faces daily as a person who is blind.
Let’s have a feel of his life story in detail below:
“ I was born like every normal child with all my parts of the body complete but unfortunately, I had an eye defect in my JSSS3 and this eventually landed me in total blindness. Before becoming visually impaired, I dreamed of being an Electrical Engineer, which is why I was in a technical school in my higher education
“At the initial stage of this condition, I was withdrawn to the extent I was complaining to God that this burden was too heavy. It was so traumatizing to the point of wanting to commit suicide. I was considering how I would live with blindness for the rest of my life.
Gradually, my perception was changed when I met other blind personalities who have made an indelible mark in their lives and their achievements inspired me to forge ahead in life. Due to this mind shift, I encouraged myself with this statement – “ if they can do it, then I can”. This adage has been the driver of my life and this has been my motivation for pushing forward.”
Despite Ubong’s determination to be outstanding, he had to take the bull by the horn to face an African society that is riddled with prejudice and stigmatization against Persons With Disabilities,(PWDs) . From educational, and financial, to the public buildings and services in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, all formed a clog in his life.
Encountering his worst experience, he said as a blind person, “When I approach ladies, instead of looking at me as a man, they will rather look at me as a blind man. I found out women were in a relationship with me basically for what they could get and not for genuine love. You can imagine a lady coming into my house and probably spending the night but leaving as early as 5 AM because she does not want people in the environment to know that she is dating a blind man.
“Apart from relationships, I also encountered challenges in school as an undergraduate, I was once asked by my lecturer why I attended a conventional university instead of an institution meant for visually impaired people. Unfortunately, there is no tertiary institution for the blind in Nigeria.
“Schooling at the University of Uyo in Nigeria is so difficult for persons with disabilities. The lecture halls are not disability friendly and as a blind student studying social and anthropology, the school library did not have materials that were in accessible format for me.
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“Also, the school hostels were exclusive and there was no personal assistant assigned to me by the school unlike other advanced countries where a personal assistant is assigned to a blind person by the school management.
“The lecturers also had their weaknesses because they were not knowledgeable enough to teach a visually impaired person and the challenges go on and on.”
Speaking on challenges with vehicle operators and the roads, he said, “Transportation for blind people in Akwa Ibom State is a big issue. For instance, there was a recent occurrence where keke rider zoomed off once he realized I was blind. So the attitude of riders and drivers in the state is stigmatizing.
“Even the roads do not encourage people who are blind to move independently. The bank as well is not accessible because blind people are expected to obtain permission from the magistrate court before being given their ATM cards.”
Interestingly, Mr Ubong Udo dared these social problems to make a name for himself having master’s degree in Rural and social community development. His sight didn’t also stop him from traveling abroad to obtain a master’s degree in poverty and development studies in England. Udo also has over 20 years of experience as a producer in Akwa Ibom State Broadcasting Corporation, where he uses the platform to be an inspiration to the hopeless.
Contributing his quota to advocate for social inclusion for persons with disabilities, he has occupied sensitive positions which include, Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPPWDs), Akwa Ibom Chapter, South-South Coordinator of Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB), National Public Relation Officer in NAB. He is currently the zonal Director of Total Inclusion, this is an NGO founded by four blind persons.
Mr Ubong Udo is married to a sighted woman and blessed with kids. According to him, his journey of greatness continues as he is currently hoping to gain admission to pursue his Doctorate. We are optimistic that Ubong Udo will create more indelible marks as he forges ahead in life courageously.
