Date: 2016-08-27

Jamiu was not a blind boy by birth. In his childhood days, Jamiu was a brilliant pupil of a primary school in Ilupeju , a serene village in Ifelodun local government area of Kwara state. He was a talented artist always playing the role of a medical practitioner in the yearly school's drama series. He came from Ile Onilu, a family that takes drumming as a vocation. When he is not acting as a doctor, he displays his skills in the vocation of his family, drumming. This, he also did during weekends when his father was engaged in musical outings around the village in addition to farming.

At age 14 in 2004, this young boy met what turns to be a watershed in his lifetime. While on his father's farm, he was accosted by two herdsmen who enquired from him whether he ever saw their missing cattle. Jamiu feigned ignorance and continued his farming works. Suddenly from the back, the two herdsmen gripped, laid him down and plucked his two eyes, live. His shout for help could not come until the havoc was done. The evil men fled but luck ran against them as the villagers organized serious search and got the culprits arrested. They were then handed over to the Police. Asking what happened to their trial?

In the meantime, Jamiu was brought to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital for medical attention. It was widely reported by the media, which attracted people and state government's attentions. The Kwara state government under Dr Bukola Saraki picked up his medical bills. Other well meaning people also assisted the young boy through various donations to complement government's assistance. In an emotion laden speech during a visit to the boy at his hospital bed, Dr Saraki as Governor of the state promised government's assistance not only by footing his hospital bills but to train him in the best schools with a view to realizing his life ambition of being a doctor despite his disability. The First Lady of Kwara citizens, as she then was, Mrs Toyin Saraki also visited and pledged the family's resolve to make Jamiu Issa, a member of Saraki's family.

Truly, Jamiu Issa on recovery continued his education as a blind pupil at the then School of Handicapped now rechristened as Schools of Special Needs through the government's sponsorship. Alas, his care both by the government and Saraki family lasted a few years. Jamiu was abandoned without essential learning aids as a special student. Yet as a determined and brilliant boy, he succeeded to make his basic education. He later gained admission to Government High School, Ilorin but withdrew two years after, when help refused to come. His poor parents could not pay his school fees or buy him learning materials.

This reviewer, Comrade Olaitan Oyin Zubair often visited Jamiu Issa even in school and or at their Ilupeju residence. After one of such visits, he made a story of this forgotten brilliant boy in a special publication to mark the 76th birthday ceremony of Dr Olusola Saraki, the late father of the then sitting Governor of Kwara state, Dr Bukola Saraki. Dr Bukola Saraki on request got 100 copies of the publication, The Rural News. Thereafter, series of appeals went to Saraki's family and Saraki's administration in particular to revive their promises and give hope to Jamiu. Alas, all efforts were in vain.

Comrade Oyin-Zubair never relented and took the welfare of Jamiu Issa and family as a matter of interest. He approached friends and some helps came in. One of such helps amongst others was used to purchase a motor cycle for Jamiu's father to ease their transportation problems. It is sometimes used as Okada to augment their livings.

Not satisfied with the living conditions of Jamiu Issa and family, Comrade Oyin- Zubair approached the incumbent Governor, Alh Dr Abdulfattah Ahmed to provide a job for the disabled but talented drumming boy under the Kwara State Council For Arts and Council. It was graciously granted by Governor Ahmed but on a non attractive monthly income. Jamiu Issa's take home is #19,500 monthly. Jamiu's solace however, is the job satisfaction in a vocation he knows best to do, and the fact he mixed freely with people of like minds, which freezes his sorrows.

Jamiu looks brilliant. Loves his vocation. Willing to be independent and live a worthy life. He does not wish to continue to be a hang-on or disturb his parents anymore. He has become of age at 26 years and married with a child. Jamiu has a dream. To one day performed for a sitting Governor of the state or the President of Federal Republic Of Nigeria. Indeed, Jamiu Issa is a talent and always hopeful of a better tomorrow. In disability there is ability, he often claims. So, Jamiu can be helped to be a success and celebrated. How do you care?

A commentary in honour of Jamiu Issa by Comrade Olaitan Oyin Zubair, a Human Rights Activist and Publisher/Editor-In-Chief, Rural News Communications.