By Olaoluwa Ajifolokun
Going by the ridicule and shame he was subjected to while growing up, Adegbeyi Ayobami Samuel popularly known as Bami Tiktok would have given up and surrendered to the destiny path being created for him by people.
But he refused to despair. Rather, he has learned to profit from his disability.
In a recent interview with Sway Omoluabi; sighted online by Church Times, Ayobami 29, who hails from Ibadan recalled how he was bullied and ridiculed because of his disability.
“I used to be aggressive and went out of my way to deal with people who make jest of me. I would cry. But as I grew and began to hear the word of God in church, I have come to realise that I was created in the image of God. I think that this is how God wants me to be. No matter what people tell me now, I always take it as a joke,” he reminisced.
Ironically, he was not born disabled. He said his mother told him he suddenly transformed into what he is after a bout of immunization.
His father and his uncle have the same physical features as him. In their case, they already finished secondary school when they suddenly became disabled.
Inspiration to others
Today, it’s hard to bring Samuel down emotionally. Instead, he has learned to use his condition to send people a strong message of hope and courage.
He has since become famous on TikTok and he inspires others with his determination to achieve his goals
Samuel shared his trials and offered valuable advice to families and individuals navigating the world of disabilities.
His disability notwithstanding, Samuel has continued to trod on in life, pursuing a path to fulfillment.
Samuel’s educational journey led him to the Rehabilitation Centre for the Handicapped in Ibadan. There, he encountered disabled people who had not allowed their situations to put them down. Many of them according to him are doing exploits despite their seemingly bad condition. It was at the school he realised the importance of self-empowerment.
Ability in disability
He said, “If you are in that school you will not look down on yourself except your brain is not working. At the school, I met people that were worse than I am and people I was better than. If you are there, you will not look down on yourself because there are people with disability doing what able-bodied people are doing and even doing it better.”
He advised people with disabilities not to look down on themselves while also urging families and caregivers not to confine individuals with disabilities indoors, as he believes it limits their growth and potential.
“Locking children or family members with disabilities indoors can ruin their potential and God-given talents,” Samuel said
A holder of Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accounting from the Polytechnic of Ibadan, Ayobami aspires to become a chartered accountant and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economy.
“I hope to take the ICAN exam and get a job in this country,” he stated.
Asked if he would like to have the same physical look if he were to come to the world for a second time, he said, “I cannot determine that. I believe God created me in his image and he is the one to decide how I will look. It is not in my hands. But I am happy with myself.”
Dream beyond Nigeria
Ayobami’s dreams extend beyond Nigeria, with aspirations of traveling and experiencing life in other countries.
His story serves as a powerful reminder of the potential within every individual, regardless of their circumstances.
Ayobami’s journey highlights the critical importance of supportive and inclusive communities. His commitment to advocating for disability rights and pursuing higher education stands as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance