Incapacity By no means Held Me Again – GM Alfijir Radio

Ibrahim Salihu Isa, a polio survivor, is the overall supervisor of Alfijir Radio in Sokoto and the Inner Auditor of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto state council. On this interview with ADENIYI OLUGBEMI, he shares how he overcame bodily challenges to construct a profitable profession in journalism and encourage others by way of resilience and dedication

Are you able to inform us a bit about your background and academic journey?

My identify is Ibrahim Salihu Isa. I used to be born in Isa native authorities space of Sokoto State in 1983. I had each my elementary and secondary schooling in the identical native authorities earlier than relocating to Sokoto to additional my research. I attended Sokoto State Polytechnic, now referred to as Umaru Aliyu Shinkafi Polytechnic, the place I obtained a Diploma in Mass Communication. Presently, I’m pursuing a level in Mass Communication on the Nationwide Open College of Nigeria (NOUN).

Had been you born with incapacity, or did it happen later in life?

No, I used to be born regular like each different little one and will stroll on my legs. Nonetheless, once I was one 12 months and eight months previous, I fell sick. It was later found that the sickness was polio, which affected my capacity to stroll. Since then, I’ve by no means been in a position to stroll on my legs.

Does that imply you didn’t obtain the polio vaccine as a toddler?

Possibly, however I can’t say for sure as a result of I used to be only a little one on the time and unaware of whether or not I obtained the vaccine or not. All I used to be advised was that I fell sick, and after recovering, I might now not stroll.

I’m the eleventh little one within the household, and none of my siblings had been affected by polio. I grew up understanding my father as a caring businessman who prioritised the wellbeing of his household. He at all times ensured that anybody who fell sick obtained correct medical consideration.

How had been you in a position to deal with the rigours of attending college regardless of your incapacity?

I by no means noticed my incapacity as a barrier. I used to be in a position to attend a major college near our home, because of my mom who carried me on her again to and from college throughout my first 12 months. From my second 12 months in major college as much as my polytechnic days, I used to be lucky to have a regionally fabricated tricycle, which helped with mobility.

Why did you cease utilizing the tricycle?

I needed to cease utilizing the tricycle due to the stress concerned. It’s not quick sufficient for me to maneuver round until I’ve entry to a automotive, and there are numerous locations I merely can’t attain with it. It’s additionally energy-sapping and tough to maneuver, in contrast to an electrical motorcycle which might make motion a lot quicker and simpler, however sadly, I can’t afford one in the mean time.

It’s essential to have skilled discrimination sooner or later. Are you able to recall any particular situations?

Little question, I’ve confronted what I might describe as challenges. Think about not having the ability to stroll to and from college or play freely like each different little one.

Nonetheless, two explicit situations stay indelible in my reminiscence.

The primary was in major six, once I was a member of my college’s quiz and debate workforce. We had been en path to Sokoto to signify the Gwadabawa zone. Sadly, I used to be dropped from the workforce on the closing stage, proper there in Sokoto merely due to my incapacity. That discrimination harm deeply.

The second expertise, although initially a problem, ended up shaping my future. After finishing junior secondary college, I deliberate to attend a technical college with boarding services to ease the stress of commuting. However my household felt that caring for myself in a boarding surroundings could be too demanding. In consequence, I continued my senior secondary schooling as a day pupil.

It was throughout that interval that I developed a robust curiosity in journalism. I joined the varsity’s press membership and finally grew to become the Press Membership Prefect in SSS 3. I totally loved the expertise, and it impressed me to pursue journalism as a profession.

My journalism journey started in 2010 after finishing my diploma, once I joined the Sokoto State–owned Rima Radio as an informal employees member within the Information and Present Affairs Division, the place I served for 5 years. In 2015, I joined Imaginative and prescient FM as a employees member and Head of the Hausa Division. Then, in 2024, I grew to become the Common Supervisor of Alfijir Radio, the place I at the moment serve.

What has journalism added to your life?

As I discussed earlier, journalism wasn’t my old flame. I initially deliberate to attend a technical college and develop into a technician. However trying again now, if there’s life after this one, I might nonetheless select journalism. It has modified my life and made me a greater particular person.

By journalism, I’ve had the chance to attend a number of trainings in Kaduna, Kano, and Abuja, the place I acquired useful data. These trainings had been organised by respected organisations equivalent to BBC Media Motion, ActionAid, Seek for Frequent Floor, Entry Worldwide, Shifting Pictures Ltd, and the Discussion board of Worldwide NGOs, amongst others.

Sure, I’m fortunately married to my lovely and able-bodied spouse, and we’re blessed with two kids.

You’re residing with a incapacity, and your spouse shouldn’t be. How did you win her coronary heart?

Everybody will get married for various causes, and our story isn’t any completely different. Our marriage could be very fulfilling as a result of I’m married to a stunning, able-bodied girl who loves me for who I’m. We’re blessed with two fantastic kids.

When she launched me to her household, I anticipated some resistance, and sure, some members of the family initially confirmed resentment. However over time, she was in a position to win them over by standing her floor and insisting that I used to be the person she needed to marry.

As a polio survivor, how concerned are you in advocacy towards the illness?

I’m actively concerned in advocacy. I at the moment function the Zonal Coordinator of the Joint Nationwide Affiliation of Individuals Residing with Disabilities in Sokoto East. We meet frequently to debate points affecting our members, and most of us function position fashions particularly for college kids residing with disabilities.

I’ve participated in nearly each advocacy marketing campaign associated to polio eradication in my area. Certainly one of our important focuses has been sensitising dad and mom in regards to the significance of polio immunisation. The federal government, in collaboration with conventional establishments, has additionally carried out properly in mobilising and educating moms on the necessity to current their kids for vaccination.