PUNCH
Twenty-seven-year-old physically challenged lady, Busayo Dairo, tells ABDULLATEEF FOWEWE how her best friend blocked every means of communication with her and how people bullied her because of her condition
What do you do for a living?
I’m Busayo Olaitan Dairo; I am 27 years old from Abeokuta, Ogun State. I just started an online business selling male wear, basically round-neck shirts.
I began my educational journey in kindergarten. Fortunately, I secured a scholarship for my secondary education although it presented challenges due to my health issues. Despite the difficulties, I persevered with divine intervention. Subsequently, I enrolled at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta. Unfortunately, my time there was cut short due to a severe illness during the second semester of the first year. This forced me to return home and spend two months recovering. I received nothing less than 20 injections, uncountable drips, and my eyes turned inside out; I nearly died during the period. It was during this period that I missed crucial academic activities, including exams and practical training (Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme). Despite attempts to catch up, I couldn’t pass my exams upon recovery. This led to my decision to drop out, fearing a recurrence of the illness if I continued.
Would you consider entering into a relationship with a disabled man who is interested in marrying you?
No, I wouldn’t. 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.
