Blind Craftsman Defies Odds, Inspires Others Through Skill and Determination  4.9/5 (7)

Olaitan Olasunkanmi, a skilled craftsman who lost his sight in 2016, has turned his personal struggle into a story of resilience and inspiration. In a recent interview with Matthew Ogunsuada, Olaitan shared how he overcame the challenges of blindness and continues to thrive, thanks to the support of his family, friends, and community. His journey, which began with the deterioration of his eyesight in 2011, has been a testament to his strength and determination.

Despite his polygamous family background and losing his father 23 years ago, Olaitan’s mother played a crucial role in his life. She worked hard to care for him and his siblings, even as they faced financial challenges. Olaitan reminisced about his childhood, helping his mother sell water and oranges, which became a source of survival. The emotional and financial support of his family has been essential in helping him adapt to life without sight.

After enrolling at the Federal Society for the Blind, Olaitan discovered a passion for craftwork. He learned skills like bead-making, tie-and-dye, and perfume creation, which he now teaches to teenagers at Shaddaiville Teenagers Academy. Over the past three years, he has mentored several students who have gone on to achieve success in their own ventures. For Olaitan, true success lies in empowering others.

Being a person with a disability comes with its own set of challenges, from daily mobility issues to societal discrimination. Yet, Olaitan remains hopeful and resilient. He credits his faith and the support of his church, CCC Praiseville, for giving him the confidence to face these obstacles. His journey has been further supported by local figures like Isolo Local Government Chairman, Hon. Kehinde Oloyede, who provided aid through community efforts.

Olaitan encouraged people to be hopeful, supportive of one another, and never give up on their dreams, no matter the challenges.

Below is the excerpt of the interview:

MATTHEW: Can you tell us a little more about your background?

OLAITAN: My name is Olaitan Olojede Olasunkanmi. I am from a polygamous family. We are four boys and three girls, but one of my sisters is late. My father passed away 23 years ago, and my mother, who retired on March 26, 2024, is still alive.

 

MATTHEW: You mentioned that your dad passed away 23 years ago. How did you manage to survive? Can you share your experience after losing your dad and how your mum took care of the family?

OLAITAN: My mum became the breadwinner after my father passed away. There were three of us in school at the time, me and my elder sister. It was very tough for my mum, being a single mother and a civil servant, especially with how difficult things were back then. I had no choice but to assist her. I started selling pure water, and during fasting periods, my sister and I would hawk oranges. Once, some guys attempted to harm my sister, but by God’s grace, nothing happened to her.

 

MATTHEW: That was before you lost your sight, right?

OLAITAN: Yes, that was before I became blind.

 

MATTHEW: Can you tell us how you lost your sight, at what age, and how it happened?

OLAITAN: It was in early 2011. I was playing a PS game when I suddenly noticed that my right eye wasn’t seeing anything. Before that, I had noticed that I would sometimes be looking for something that was right in front of me, and I wouldn’t see it. My mum and a few others helped me visit different hospitals. In 2012, when we got to the military hospital in Ikoyi, Lagos, they told me the eye was damaged, and I was prescribed a particular drug. I used it for a while, but things escalated in 2013, and I had to visit the hospital again. The doctor asked if I had the habit of bumping into walls, which I admitted to. He said that’s what had damaged my eyes. I was given glasses, which I used until they expired, and then the problem started again.

 

MATTHEW: At that time, you were still seeing partially?

OLAITAN: Yes, I could still see partially. In 2015, I visited Massive Vision Hospital in Ikeja. Someone then told my mum and me to go to a Catholic eye center around Iju Ishaga. When we got there, they told me only God could heal me. In 2016, one of my Sunday school teachers gave us a letter to visit Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). When we got there, the doctor told me there was nothing they could do and referred me to the Federal Society for the Blind at Oshodi. My mum went there, made inquiries, and came back.

 

MATTHEW: So, what happened afterwards? Did you enrol in the school?

OLAITAN: Yes, on March 14, 2016, my mum told me we were going to the school for an interview. She called her sister, who gave her the school fees, which was ₦50,000 per annum at the time. I did the interview, and they told me to stay because there was only one bed left. I asked my mum if I was really blind, and she reassured me that I wasn’t. So, I stayed, and my mum went home to bring my things.

 

MATTHEW: By then, had you lost your sight completely?

OLAITAN: No, I was still seeing partially, but by September 2016, I lost my sight completely due to an issue that occurred at the school.

 

MATTHEW: At the Federal Society for the Blind?

OLAITAN: Yes.

 

MATTHEW: Can you tell us about the issue?

OLAITAN: I don’t want to tarnish the image of the school, so I’d prefer not to talk about it.

 

MATTHEW: Understood. Can you share your learning experience at the Federal Society for the Blind?

OLAITAN: I gained a new level of education there. I learned basic craft skills like making bead bags, bead purses, bead chains, tie and dye, and how to use nylon rope to make belts, sandals, and slippers. I also met friends like Boluwatife and Oluwabunmi. I even playfully call some of them my children, even though they are not my age mates. They call me “Brother Daniel” and often ask me to teach them how to make beads. I enjoyed teaching them.

 

MATTHEW: How did you become interested in crafting?

OLAITAN: It was the people I mentioned earlier who drew my attention to it. At first, they did it for fun, but later, I got serious about it and wanted to take my craft to another level. Afterwards, I went to the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre in Oshodi when the Federal Society for the Blind mandated us to do industrial training. During that period, I learned how to make perfume, liquid soap, Izal, baby soap, and other useful skills. I also want to thank CCC Praiseville for sending me back to the Federal Society for the Blind in 2021. They have shown me so much love and care, both at home and abroad.

 

MATTHEW: What role do you play in teaching others? Have you been able to pass your craft on to others through any platform?

OLAITAN: I advertise my craft a lot because I believe success is when you impact others. For over three years, I’ve been teaching teenagers at Shaddaiville Teenagers Academy how to make good crafts, and I feel fulfilled when they give testimonies about what I taught them. The only stress I experience is going to the market to get materials, but the students I teach are cooperative and focused.

MATTHEW: Well done! Can you describe the tools or techniques that have helped you in your craft?

OLAITAN: I always go the extra mile. For example, when I was learning how to make beads, I didn’t wait for the school to provide the materials. I bought my own beads and did my own practicals. My friends and I even contributed money to make perfumes, and our instructor was proud of us.

 

MATTHEW: How do you operate mobile gadgets and other tools?

OLAITAN: Yes, I can operate both phones and laptops. On laptops, we use something called JAWS (Job Access With Speech), which is installed to help blind people navigate without using a mouse. For phones, we have different types of talkback. Android phones use TalkBack, while iPhones use VoiceOver. The easiest phones for us to use are iPhones, Samsung, and Infinix. Other phones might require you to install additional apps like Eloquence.

 

MATTHEW: Can you describe a typical day in your life and how you manage your daily tasks?

OLAITAN: When I wake up, I bathe, sweep, wash plates and clothes. I learned daily living skills (DLS) as a course at the Federal Society for the Blind, where they taught us how to cook, clean, and take care of ourselves. For example, when I want to sweep, I take off my slippers and use my leg to feel the places I’ve swept. When I wash my clothes too, there is a way I feel that the water is dirty and needs to be changed or rinsed.

 

MATTHEW: How do you manage your work and ensure your safety?

OLAITAN: It’s not me; it’s God. If you have fear in your mind, you won’t achieve anything in life. You can’t stay indoors unless your father is someone like Dangote or Alakija. You have to be confident and accept your situation. An idle man’s brain is the devil’s workshop. There are challenges, but you just have to remove fear from your mind.

MATTHEW: Speaking of challenges, what are some of the obstacles you’ve faced?

OLAITAN: There are many challenges. Sometimes, people at bus stops will ask who will help me get off the bus, and I have to convince them I’ll be fine. A blind person shouldn’t cross the road, but I’ve crossed the Third Mainland Bridge and Agege Expressway. People often think you’re begging, but I ignore them. At home and on the streets, we face discrimination and segregation, but all challenges can be overcome.

 

MATTHEW: How do you overcome these challenges? What support have you received from people or institutions?

OLAITAN: I don’t see them as challenges; I see them as stepping stones. In terms of support, there are many. Recently, Hon. Kehinde Oloyede, chairman of Oshodi- Isolo Local Government, helped people with disabilities through a giving initiative. My mum, her family, Mrs. Oluwakemi Ogunbona, and my friend Lati have also been phenomenal. CCC Praiseville, especially Dr. Kunle Hamilton, Brother Joseph, Sister Kemi, Aunty Tope  Alao,Pastor Precious, Aunty Sarah , Big Sam, Prophet Matthew and others have shown me immense love and support.

 

MATTHEW: What advice do you have for people with disabilities?

OLAITAN: Charity begins at home, so I advise parents not to hide their children with disabilities. There are schools and resources available for them. As for persons with disabilities, don’t limit yourselves. Be a giver, and don’t lose hope. Blind people can do amazing things like play football, swim, and even lift weights. Don’t let fear or your disability bring you down. For those married with disabilities, don’t let your spouse maltreat you—you have a right to life.

 

MATTHEW: Thank you so much, Mr. Olaitan Olojede. We truly appreciate your time and hope that your story inspires others to never give up, no matter what challenges they face.

 

This interview was done by Matthew Ogunsuada, MSc Student of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, following the training on Disability Reporting facilitated by Blessing Oladunjoye, Publisher of BONews Service.