In the bustling city of Lagos, a poignant scene unfolded one Sunday at Green Field Bus Stop. A tricycle came to a halt, and from it emerged a blind man, Stanley Theophilus, holding the hand of his young daughter.
Behind him, his wife, Victoria Uchechukwu Ekesi, also blind, was gently guided by their son. Their youngest child brought up the rear. Despite their blindness, the family was not begging; they were on their way to church, led by their children with quiet confidence.
This encounter led to a visit to their modest two-room apartment on Prince Adewale Ajayi Street in the Abaranje area of Ikotun, Lagos. There, Stanley and Victoria shared their story of resilience and determination.
Neither Stanley, 47, nor Victoria, 28, were born blind. For both, the cause was measles. Stanley grew up in the village of Obiezena in Owerri, Imo State. His childhood was adventurous until his eyes began to change color, a sign of impending blindness. A missionary doctor diagnosed measles damage and performed surgery on one eye, instructing a follow-up after a year. However, due to distractions in village life, the follow-up never occurred. An accident during a childhood game caused further damage, leading to total blindness.
Victoria, from Nawfijah in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, began losing her sight between the ages of three and eight. An initial misdiagnosis led to the operation on her good eye instead of the bad one, resulting in complete blindness.
Despite their challenges, both Stanley and Victoria pursued education. Stanley holds a degree in Political Science, while Victoria has a degree in English. They chose not to beg but to seek employment. However, despite their qualifications, they have struggled to find work, facing discrimination and limited opportunities for the blind.
Their story highlights the resilience of individuals who, despite significant challenges, strive to live with dignity and contribute to society. It also underscores the need for greater inclusivity and support for people with disabilities in the workforce.
