Many people question whether someone who is deaf can drive safely, but Fidelis Eze, a Deaf Keke Napep (tricycle) driver, defies these doubts every day on the roads of Imo State.
In an interview with Agboeze, Fidelis remarked that, “so, because I’m deaf, I shouldn’t be able to drive? Yeye people!” he laughs. “It’s funny because most road accidents I’ve seen are caused by hearing drivers, not deaf ones.”
Fidelis in his narration said, he is a living proof that driving is more about ones eyes than your ears.
Eze has been a Keke driver for over 13 years and has never been involved in an accident. “In developed countries, deaf people drive regularly, and they are some of the best drivers,” Fidelis points out. “The deaf can do anything, except hear.”
Born deaf, Fidelis learned to drive through what he calls “facial language”, a combination of gestures and written notes, taught by his uncle. After losing his parents at the age of 20, Fidelis was raised by this same uncle who later put him into the business of driving.
“My uncle, who taught me how to drive, was using facial language and wrote some things down for me,” he explained.
Despite the challenges, Fidelis has built a life for himself through sheer determination and a reliable sense of alertness on the road.
“I don’t need to hear a horn to know when someone wants to overtake me. I drive carefully, always staying alert,” he explains. And when it comes to managing his earnings, Fidelis works with a trustworthy conductor who ensures that all the fares are collected from passengers.
Throughout this conversation, conducted through facial expressions and written notes, Fidelis never wavered in his confidence or his pride in his work. “I’m just like any other driver,” he says with a smile. “Maybe even better.”
In a world that often underestimates people with disabilities, Fidelis is a reminder that, with determination and support, anyone can thrive.
This article was written by Uzoamaka Agboeze, MSc Student of Mass Communication (2023/2024), University of Lagos, following the training on Disability Reporting facilitated by Blessing Oladunjoye, Publisher of BONews Service.