A young Nigerian lady who is physically challenged, named Busayo Dairo from Ogun State, has disclosed the reason why she can’t enter into a relationship or marry any man who is also physically disabled like her.
In an interview with The Punch newspaper, the 27-year-old, who hails from Ogun state, opened up on her life, relationships, challenges, and future aspirations.
Despite facing bullying and obstacles due to her condition, Busayo shared her determination to be a living example by aspiring to marry an able-bodied man.
She expressed her desire to be a role model, demonstrating that despite her own disability, she can build a life with an able-bodied partner.
Her primary concern was the potential trauma her future children might face if both parents shared similar physical challenges.
“No, I wouldn’t [marry a disabled man]. As someone with a disability myself, I aspire to be a living example that despite my condition, I can marry an able-bodied man. Moreover, I believe it could potentially be traumatic for our future children. While I don’t deny the possibility, I am aware of the challenges I face due to my disability and wish to spare my children from similar experiences,” the lady said.
According to Busayo, she initially received a scholarship to study at the university but faced a setback when she was diagnosed with typhoid fever during her secondary school years.
The illness, which progressed to a near-terminal stage, forced her to drop out of school.
She recounted the physical toll the illness took on her body, requiring numerous injections and intravenous drips.
Despite her struggles, she maintained a positive outlook, emphasizing that she does not have sickle cell anemia but carries the AS genotype.
Busayo acknowledged her mother’s efforts in securing the scholarship for her through connections at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in Ikeja.
However, her health challenges took a toll on her academic pursuits, leading to her decision to leave formal education.
“My mother is employed at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in Ikeja, which provides ample opportunities for various individuals, including HIV patients. It was through her connections that she secured the scholarship for me.
“I dropped out after I was diagnosed with typhoid fever, and it severely affected my body. I underwent numerous injections and received intravenous drips, and my condition deteriorated to the point where I was unable to walk. I was practically being carried everywhere. My mother constantly prayed and pleaded with me to avoid falling ill, as my illnesses were always severe. Despite this, I am not affected by sickle cell anaemia; instead, I have the AS genotype.”
“I have little desire to go back to school; even if I do decide to return, it will be through an online programme. Right now, my main focus is on making money. I know that some people have achieved success without formal education, but I don’t want to use that as an excuse. I simply want to work hard and achieve financial stability in life,” Busayo added
