Thomas Tobi: Family Support Built My Independence.

Thomas Tobi, who has cerebral palsy, says the support, education and encouragement he received from his family taught him to be independent.

 

Tobi is Head of Information Technology (IT) at The Engraced Ones Prayer Support and Advocacy Initiative, an organisation that advocates for persons with disabilities in communities across Nigeria. According to the organisation, its work focuses on intellectual disabilities and inclusive education.

 

He shared his experience of growing up with cerebral palsy from early childhood in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

 

Tobi said his parents treated him like any other child, encouraging him to take part in household chores, schooling and other activities. That, he said, helped him build confidence and independence at home.

 

His mother taught him to wash plates, sweep, mop and wash clothes, while his father placed a strong emphasis on education and helped him apply mathematics in everyday life.

 

According to Tobi, that upbringing gave him the confidence to take part in society without seeing his condition as a limitation or letting it define him.

 

He said he had also faced rejection, recalling a time he wanted to join an activity and was told he could not do it.

 

"I just decided to focus on myself, become someone in life and be a person that will speak out in my own voice and for others," he said.

 

Tobi said people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities should have the chance to take part in sports, education and other activities alongside their peers, free of discrimination and unnecessary barriers, and with the support they need.

 

"Every child has the right to participate. When I participate, I feel amazing and happy, and people also see that I can do things which encourage me to do more," he said.

 

He urged parents of children with cerebral palsy not to look down on them or treat them as incapable. Instead, he said, parents should prioritise education, therapy, essential life skills and practical support, beginning early and continuing over time.

 

"Parents should prepare their children to become independent because they might not always be available to take care of them," he said.

 

Tobi said his dream is to become a senator and use public office to advocate for persons with disabilities and promote inclusion and equality across the country.

 

"My dream is to become someone that is going to sit in the same chair with others and become a senator to fight for the rights of people with disabilities," he said.

 

He called on society to give persons with disabilities the opportunity to show what they can do and to contribute meaningfully, rather than limiting them because of their conditions.