Eno's Story
I was born premature into a family of 7 being the last child.
Defying all medical diagnosis, I grew up a very healthy child, walking and running at 7 months.
I had polio by the age of 2 with both legs completely paralyzed. My parent were teachers at both primary and high school levels respectively ( my dad studied at South Western Christian College, Texas obtaining his Bachelor of Arts degree at David Lipscomb College, U.S.A).
I was introduced to education very early. Unlike other children stricken by polio at the time, my parent did not allow my legs to be amputated but insisted that my sisters would carry me on their backs to school everyday. Wheelchairs were not readily available at the time and more so, my father always believed that I would be able to walk again someday.
Growing up was fun until my dad passed away. I lived most times for the next 3 years alone so, I opted to go to a boarding secondary school when I was12. There I faced a lot of bullying, intense stigma and discrimination.
As I got older and over time, I started the NGO as a result of the experience I had while going through secondary school. Many children with disabilities in my community were being isolated and denied their right to basic education. Children and women with disabilities were begger on the streets where I lived.
Because of the discrimination I faced while going through school I predetermined in my mind that I would be self-employed because people here focus on my seeming disability instead of my ability. I did volunteer in my former church for some years.
I started my training as a non-profit worker as a volunteer with another NGO that provided positive development in Calabar, West Africa where I was trained by Family Health International known as FHI 360 on care and support for orphans and vulnerable children.
Now, I have my own NGO called Enabled to Enable with a mission to empower women and girls with disabilities, and other vulnerable women and children through advocacy, training programs and the provision of support services. These programs enable them contribute meaningfully outcomes to their immediate community and global development.
I come from Oron, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria but reside in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria and my organization's activities cover both states. I love writing, ministering music, reading and volunteering in human and community development activities.
I'm looking forward to releasing my first song in March 2022 by the grace of God. As a 2019 Thomson Reuters Foundation Generation Africa Fellow, I love sharing my story and hope it inspires another person so they can find hope and faith that I have found and have in Christ.
Today, I am no longer crippled, though I limp a little, people who knew me through my childhood and university days consider me a living miracle. I give glory to God, and credit my parents who did not amputate my legs because I had Polio as a child. I’m grateful to my sisters that carried me to school to get an education.
In all my troubles being bullied and wearing the stigma as a cripple, it made me who I am today and for that I am thankful. I dedicate my life to helping others with disabilities and those who are vulnerable within my community.
With Gratitude,
Eno
