Having been born with three limbs, multi-talented Tijani Ibrahim has gone ahead to beat all odds stark against him to achieve academical height as he just completed his Ordinary National Diploma programme in Mass Communication at the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic.
In this interview with Efosa Taiwo, Ibrahim recounts his lifestory that has been full of satisfaction rather than regrets even as an amputee. Excerpt:
Q. How was growing up like ?
It was okay, based on the family I grew up with, they made me care less about anything.
Q. How did they make you care less about anything?
They treated me not in a special manner, others go to school, I do. Others wash cloth, I also do mine, they were beaten for doing wrong things, so was I. Also, they are like a motivation to me, they believe in me, spend most on me, they keep letting me feel I can do everything others can.
Q. What led to the amputation of your limb?
A short touching story, "that was how I was born"
Q.Does this mean it was inherited or what story were you told that details what led to it?
It wasn’t inheritance, I am the only one like this in my family, nothing led to it. It is just God’s will, and I feel that’s the best for me
Q. How many are you in your family?
I can’t actually say, because I am from a polygamous home, it is around 12, my mom’s children are just just 5.
Q. Do you at any point in your lifetime get hopeless about life as regards your condition ?
I have never been hopeless.
Q. What has been your inspiration ?
Let me say, what people call your shortcoming should be your strength, many still believe I can’t, and I always want to prove to them, I can do all.
Q. What has been your biggest challenge ?
I guess nothing, it used to be lack of confidence in doing all, I did think I had limit to what I can do, but now I feel I can do almost all and I am the best thing and most talented I have ever seen.
Q. How supportive have your parents been ?
Always being supportive, they show me love and spend almost all they have to make me a successful person, they make many sacrifices for my satisfaction.
Q. How supportive have your friends been ?
You know in life, not all friends are friends, some are there for the moment. However majority of them are also a motivation, they sometimes act like I am better than them, some make me feel I am the most talented, recently one my best friend (a female) she asked me about my girlfriend and immediately she told me she is certain I can’t be single, because I am talented.
Q. What is the most embarrassing moment you have ever had ?
The day I forget lines on stage. That day was funny, the only thing that helped me was that people knew I was good, I dropped the mic to the next performer, he did well. I collected the mic again I still couldn’t remember and I left stage in shame.
Q. The lines were on what ?
On rap.
Q. So you rap ?
Yes, I do.
Q. What is your most rewarding moment ?
Ummmm, when I was given an honorary award at a sport competition, Nasfat game (NASGA) 2016. I think that’s the only one I can remember for now, because I have had many rewarding moment. Coming 3rd as an underdog at Mash up Contest, but let me call that the best.
Q. What game did you participate in during the NASGA game ?
Scrabble.
Q. Have you ever been discriminated against as a result of your physical disability ?
Not really, because immediately I get to a place, I make them realise I am not different from them, sometimes I want to appear better.
Q. What has always been your ambition in life ?
No special ambition, I just want to leave an unforgettable positive memories behind, I want to live forever.
Q. If you were to spend three hours with someone of your choice, who would that person be ?
Nick Vujicic, the man without limb and arms who is a motivational speaker and also a pastor. He has 1.3 million followers on Instagram.
Q. What are your hobbies?
Playing snooker and watching football.
Q. What football club do you support ?
Chelsea FC
Q. You have an Instagram page where you inspire people, tell us more about it.
The instagram page, @thrive_speaks, I created it long time ago, though, different names had been used. I created it to unleash my passion to be a motivation to others, and be a hope for the hopeless. Those who believe they can’t, seeing me will make them believe they can also do it. The Instagram page is just one of the platforms I use in doing this.
Q. What would be your words to people in your situation that are ill-disposed towards pursuing their dreams as a result of their physical disabilities ?
They should know that, life is all about war, we just have to keep fighting it, if you want to be what you want, prepare for pain and suffering. Like I do say "you
Awesome!