For many persons living with disabilities in Nigeria, life is often shaped by discrimination, rejection and limited opportunities.
But for Mrs Ozichu Joy Achamajah from Upogoro in Kogi Central Senatorial District in Kogi State, disability became a motivation to succeed rather than a barrier to achievement.
Born with hearing and speech impairment, Mrs Achamajah refused to allow her condition to define her future. Instead, she pursued higher education to university level and later ventured into poultry farming, where she has built a thriving business that now sustains her and her family.
Speaking with LEADERSHIP on her journey, Achamajah said determination and the desire to become financially independent pushed her into agriculture.
“My dream was to become self-reliant and prove that disability is not inability,” she said through an interpreter.
Achamajah attended the Kwara State School for the Deaf in Ilorin before obtaining a Nigeria Certificate in Education from the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo. She later earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Jos (UNIJOS).
Her journey into poultry farming received a boost through support from the World Bank-assisted APPEALS Project and the L-PRESS initiative, programmes aimed at empowering persons with disabilities.
Today, she specialises in layer production and egg sales, managing her poultry business successfully despite communication challenges associated with her condition.
According to her, interacting with customers, suppliers and veterinary experts can be difficult, but she has learned to adapt through writing, text messaging, sign language and social media.
“I ensure my birds are properly fed, vaccinated and kept in a clean environment to maintain quality egg production,” she explained.
Beyond financial benefits, Mrs Achamajah said poultry farming has restored her confidence and strengthened her belief that persons with disabilities can excel if given opportunities.
She advised other persons with disabilities to embrace skills acquisition and entrepreneurship instead of depending on street begging or criminal activities for survival.
“Hard work and learning a skill can change lives and create dignity,” she said.
Looking ahead, she plans to expand her poultry business into a large-scale commercial enterprise capable of employing other persons with disabilities.
