She was full of energy as a child, running, playing, and dreaming. Then life shifted dramatically at a time she was starting to find her way in the world. This summarizes Blessing Omawumi’s reality, dating back to when she began to experience unexplained weakness at the age of 12, leading to her being diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, a condition that stole her mobility. She shares her journey with SONIA OKERE
Q. Please can we meet you?
My name is Blessing Omawumi, from Oyo State. I’m currently a student at Federal Polytechnic, Ede.
Q. Could you tell us a bit about your journey with muscular dystrophy?
Sure. Growing up, I was a really strong and energetic kid but when I turned 12, I started feeling this constant, unexplained weakness. I couldn’t keep up with chores and got tired so easily. At first, my mom thought I was just trying to avoid work! But as time passed, it became clear that something wasn’t right.
She spoke to friends and family, and people suggested it might be a calcium deficiency, so she tried all kinds of foods to help me get stronger. But no matter what I ate, I just didn’t feel better.
Q. Did she take you to the hospital after that?
Yes, we went to many hospitals, trying to figure out what was wrong. For a while, no one could give us answers. Finally, at Adeoyo State Hospital in Ibadan, I was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. When we got the diagnosis, my mom just couldn’t accept it. She kept believing that it couldn’t be true. Then we started going to different churches, and even tried herbal treatments, but nothing worked.
at Adeoyo State Hospital in Ibadan, I was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. My mom just couldn’t accept it. We started going to different churches, and even tried herbal treatments
Q. Tell us more about muscular dystrophy
According to medical experts, it is a group of genetic disorders that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass over time. In people with MD, certain genes that help maintain healthy muscles become mutated, which disrupts the production of proteins necessary for muscle function. As a result, the muscles gradually weaken and lose their ability to function properly.
Q. Is there any cure for muscular dystrophy?
When we went to University College Hospital [UCH] in Ibadan, I was so hopeful. I thought they’d give me some medicine, and I’d get back to being the strong, energetic kid I used to be. But when the specialists examined me, they told us that there was no cure. The doctor also said that one day, I’d probably need a wheelchair. At that point, I was still walking, so none of us wanted to believe it. We kept telling ourselves he must be wrong. But a few years later, it happened, just like he said.
They actually recommended physiotherapy, which could help me stay strong for a while but it was really expensive. I did it for a while, but eventually, we just couldn’t afford it anymore, so I had to stop.
Q. How has living with a disability affected your life?
Honestly, one of the biggest impacts has been on my education. After I finished secondary school, my parents were really worried about me going to university on my own. They were afraid I wouldn’t be able to manage by myself, and, to be honest, I was scared, too. So, I stayed at home for seven years, waiting and hoping for a miracle.
Doctors recommended physiotherapy; I did it for a while, but eventually, we just couldn’t afford it anymore, so I had to stop
But in 2019, I finally decided to write UTME and got admitted. And you know what? Once I got there, I realized all my fears were invalid. I met so many wonderful people who support me in ways I never expected.
Q. When did you start using a wheelchair?
I was 21 when I started using a wheelchair. By then, walking and even moving around had become so hard, and the strain was giving me constant headaches. It just wasn’t sustainable anymore. So, my family decided to get me a wheelchair. It wasn’t easy to accept at first, but it did bring some relief. It took away the constant pain and exhaustion I had been dealing with, even though it was a huge change for me.
Q. What are the challenges of living with a disability?
There are so many things I can’t do on my own now. For instance, I can’t lift my arms or move my legs easily, so I’m mostly limited to sitting or lying down. I depend a lot on my family and friends to help me with daily tasks, but I’ve also found my own ways to get things done when I can.
After I finished secondary school, I stayed at home for seven years, waiting and hoping for a miracle
In a class of over 120 students, I’m the only one in a wheelchair. At first, that made me feel really different, but I’ve learned not to focus on that. My muscles might be weak, but my mind is strong, and I make sure to use it to its fullest. I don’t let my disability define who I am; I focus on what I can do, not what I can’t.
Q. Do you experience down moments?
Absolutely, like everyone else, I have my down moments. But it’s rare to find me in a truly sad moment because I prefer to count my little wins over my losses. Shifting my focus helps me get through the harder days.
Q. Have you ever experienced discrimination or stigmatization?
Thankfully, I haven’t really experienced discrimination or open mockery. For some reason, I tend to attract people who genuinely like me for who I am. My family and friends have always treated me with love and respect. I’ve worked a lot on my mindset, too, so it’s tough for other people’s words or actions to get to me.
In a class of over 120 students, I’m the only one in a wheelchair. But I’ve worked a lot on my mindset, and it’s tough for other people’s words or actions to get to me
Q. What are your future aspirations?
My biggest academic goal is to earn degrees that I can be proud of. But beyond that, I really want to be an advocate for inclusivity. I hope to achieve this through writing and public speaking. Also, one of my dreams is to become a model! I want the world to see that people with disabilities are not just strong and resilient, but also beautiful and intelligent. We have so much to offer, and I want to help change the narrative around disabilities.
Q. Any word of encouragement for people living with disability?
Living with a disability is challenging, no doubt. But my biggest piece of advice is not to add to your own struggles. Don’t let a negative mindset take over. Yes, my disability affects my body, but I’ve worked hard to make sure it doesn’t control how I feel emotionally. If I want to be happy, I will be happy.
one of my dreams is to become a model… I work as a data vendor and ghostwrite for others
Additionally, focus on your strengths and strive for financial independence. Even as someone with a disability, you have unique skills and talents that can help you earn a living. In my case, I work as a data vendor and ghostwrite for others, which allows me to earn money and take care of my needs. So, in conclusion, don’t let anything limit your potential. You are capable of achieving your goals, no matter the challenges you face.
