To hear Jerome proudly say, ‘ I have gifted hands’ reminds us of Ben Carson, an American Neurosurgeon, author of bestseller ‘Gifted hands’. The story of Jerome (36) who is enjoying dual citizenship —originally a Togolese, but also a Nigerian by naturalization —is truly sensational.

While so many young people are seeking greener pastures in Europe or in North America, Jerome who became crippled 30 years ago, remains thankful to His creator for bringing him to Nigeria; his live changed positively when he came to Nigeria over a decade ago. He does not intend to leave Nigeria anytime soon as he runs his fast-growing enterprise. He excitedly gave the account of his life’s journey with Saturday Youthful Vibes. Excerpts.

*Jerome

Born with no physical challenge but…

I was born into a polygamous family in Vogan , a small town in Togo. I was born naturally without any physical challenge. However, this changed strangely when I had a dream at age six (6). I dreamt I had a boil in my leg and by the next morning when I woke up I saw it on my leg.

After three days, I was taken to the hospital. Doctors confirmed there was maggot inside. After an injection my legs became paralyzed. As a matter of fact, I have had this challenge since the last thirty (30) years.

My father had five(5) wives and twenty three (23) children. I was the 8th male child. He was an international business man always visiting Nigeria for business before he passed on February 14, 1982. This was where my story took another dimension.

There was no help from anybody. Fortunately, my mother took on the challenge of catering for me and my siblings. She took me back to the hospital where I spent one and half years in the hospital. I had 12 operations before I could use the crutches which my mum bought for me.

Journey into entrepreneurship

I had the privilege of attending Kpakpala Primary school and Ameniron Secondary school both located in Vogan. Albeit, I dropped out of school at JSS 3 as it was tough for me to eat three square meals. It was at this time, I encounter an Italian Roman catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Elio Boscali who took me like his son.

He advised me to learn shoe making since he was leaving for Italy following the termination of his mission in Togo. He knew I would not  be able to get support to continue with my education. Today, I remain grateful to him. He  enrolled me in a German factory where I learnt how to make shoes, belt, bags and other leather works.

It took me a total of seven years and he paid my fees for the all the years.  We had both theoretical and practical lessons. For instance, I can take the measurement of someone without legs and or even if one leg is shorter.  I am also talented in singing and I play the talking drum as well. Truly, God has endowed me with gifted hands. Yes, indeed I have gifted hands.

After the training, I couldn’t set up my own shoe making business owing to lack of capital. Another episode of my life ensued. So, I decided to relocate from Togo. I went to Ghana, I couldn’t make it. From there I went to Ivory Coast to Burkina Faso. No way for me, I returned to Benin Republic .

The interesting that about this sojourn was that I spent about a year in each of the country . What made me survive was that instead of going about begging for alms, I would buy polish and with my crutches I would move around polishing shoes instead of waiting for people to come to me.

I even went to offices to polish shoes and they would oblige me when they see pictures of my works. After six months in Benin Republic I decided to come to Nigeria in year 2000. A friend of mine actually invited me to Nigeria. The amazing thing was that I had planned to migrate to France.

So, I had my road map well planned out.  I thought I could go to Chad from there to Libya and I would get into France. This changed when I shared this youth migration intention with my step sister- who married a Yoruba man-didn’t know about my visit to Nigeria.

She eventually accommodated me at Agboju in Lagos. She assisted in getting me a job with a cobbler whom I work with for only six months. Something dramatic happened at this time where I usually go to buy shoe materials from.

The owner of the business thought I was undoing myself when I could start my own business. He thus offered his space for free for me to share with him where I can start up.  A certain day, he told me he was no longer interested in selling shoe materials.

Hence, he handed over the shop to me to use until I took over the rent of that shop since year 2000. Trust me, God has been kind to me. When I look back I have every cause to thank Him.  Today, due to hard work and dedication to my work, I can proudly say I pay the school fees of my younger ones.

I have an employee that I pay salary and I also have two apprentices. I teach them for a period of two years.  I have done my traditional wedding  and come November 29, 2012 I will be doing the white wedding. Everyone is invited.

Giving back to the society

Well, I also serve as a director of ME (Movement for Empowerment) Foundation for  a not for profit making organization with a vision to assist those from underserved communities , orphans and the physically challenge to becoming  creative and entrepreneurial. I work with other Nigerians taking the message across Nigeria, Togo and Ghana.

My advice to young people is to encourage them to believe in themselves but ultimately in God. You can do something. Why would our graduates keep waiting for jobs that scarcely come to them when they can humble themselves, get their hands dirty learning a skill that will put food on their table and help them cause generational change.

That’s why I love my role model ,Nick Vijucic, born without his four limbs bringing joy and hope to many. I speak with him on phone and via the internet. He is such an inspiration. If Glenn Cunningham, an American went from hopelessly crippled to the Hall of Fame, I still believe I will walk again.

YOUNG NIGERIANS MAKING THE DIFFERENCE

Engr. Umeh James Godwin (28), a native of Isochi Umunneochi L.G.A. of AbiaState has an unwavering passion for youth development and empowerment. He holds a degree in Computer Engineering from The Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua. He is currently Working with Systems Marine Services Limited and also serves as a director of  Movement for Empowerment (ME) Foundation with a mandate to impact many lives positively.

*Godwin

His passion to empower orphans and youths from underserved communities began about eight years ago when he travelled to  Fadan Krashi, Kaduna where he saw the pitiable sight of children begging for alms . As part of pursuing ME Foundation’s objectives, James with his team has raised several Youths across Nigeria and various countries through various Youth events, programmes, seminars, and conferences since 2006 in Nigeria, Ghana, Togo and other parts of Africa/World.

He was a former Ohaneze Youth Member (Abia State Chapter) and an active member of Isochi Youth Forum (IYF) where he largely gained the orientation of Chief Dr. Eze Chikamnayo (Eyierioba 1 of Umunneochi) who is currently the Commissioner of Information, Abia State and Chief Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyawu (Aha Eji Agam Mba 1 of Imo State) Chairman of a national newspaper, amongst others. He is a recipient of numerous awards for his meritorious contributions to the society.

He currently believes that this inspiration cannot be achieved without the collaboration of Government related agencies, working NGOs and philanthropic individuals. He is presently seeking collaboration and support for the Foundation.