In Ogobia, Benue State, Emmanuel Onjefu grew up with the odds stacked against him. Born with cerebral palsy, his father abandoned the family shortly after his birth. His sister later left for Libya in search of work, leaving Onjefu and his cousin in the care of their mother, the family’s sole provider. She worked tirelessly as a farmer, producing and selling garri to sustain them.
At first, Onjefu’s mother struggled to come to terms with his disability, fearing it had brought misfortune upon the family. But through the Liliane Foundation, in partnership with St. Bernadette Nursery & Primary School, she found the support and knowledge needed to raise him with confidence. He received medical care, physiotherapy, and access to education, allowing him to thrive.
With time, Onjefu’s world expanded. He completed nursery and primary school with excellent results and is now enrolled in computer training, determined to learn digital skills despite the physical challenges. His cousin, Samuel, has been a constant companion, wheeling him around when needed and sharing moments of music and laughter.
Beyond the classroom, Onjefu is active at home. He helps his mother at the garri mill, washing peeled cassava and assisting in the production process. Through the parent support group in Ogobia, his mother gained financial aid to sustain the business, and the community has been sensitized to understand and accept children with disabilities.
But Onjefu’s dreams go far beyond his current reality. He wants to become a programmer, earn a good living, and buy his mother a bigger house—a dream he holds onto with unwavering determination.
