BORN DEAF… NOW A GRADUATE: How an Idoma son, Ogamenyi defied the odds to earn university degree, complete NYSC

For many parents, the birth of a child is a moment of joy and hope. But for the family of Ode Lawson Ogamenyi, that joy soon turned into fear and uncertainty when they discovered that their son could not hear.

Today, years later, the same child who was once seen as having an uncertain future has become a university graduate, completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and emerged as a respected disability rights advocate, writer and founder of the Ode Ogamenyi Foundation.

His story is one of resilience, faith and determination.

Sharing his story with IDOMA VOICE, Ogamenyi said his mother became seriously ill while pregnant with him. Fearing for her health, she bought medication from a pharmacy without first consulting a doctor. Although no medical evidence has established the cause of his hearing loss, she has often wondered whether the illness or the medication contributed to his deafness.

The family discovered he was deaf while he was still a baby.

“My mother discovered that I could not hear while she was bathing me at my late grandparents’ house,” he recalled.

The discovery devastated the family. His mother wept endlessly and travelled from one hospital to another, including medical facilities in Enugu, hoping doctors could restore his hearing. Every effort, however, ended in disappointment.

His late grandmother, Jumaima, was equally heartbroken, worrying about what the future held for the young boy.

Amid the despair, one voice offered hope.

His aunt, Pamela, encouraged his mother not to give up.

“Do not lose hope. This child will go to school and become a great and educated person,” she assured her.

Those words, Ogamenyi says, became the foundation upon which his future was built.

Despite growing up with a hearing disability, Ogamenyi refused to allow his condition to define him. He persevered through discrimination, rejection and misunderstanding, determined to pursue an education.

His determination paid off.

He successfully completed his primary and secondary education, earned a university degree and fulfilled the mandatory National Youth Service Corps scheme.

Looking back on his journey, he describes his achievements as proof that disability does not determine destiny.

“The devil tried, but he could not stop the plan God had for my life,” he said.

Rather than allowing his experiences to discourage him, Ogamenyi chose to become a voice for others living with disabilities.

Today, he is a disability rights advocate, writer and founder of the Ode Ogamenyi Foundation, where he campaigns for inclusion and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.

He hopes his story will encourage parents never to abandon children born with disabilities.

“My disability is not my limitation. My faith is stronger than my challenges,” he said.

He also urged persons living with disabilities not to lose hope.

“Your condition does not determine your destiny. Keep believing, keep learning and keep moving forward.”

Ogamenyi said one of his greatest joys is seeing younger deaf relatives, including Samuel Adama and Oche Ode, grow up knowing that their disability does not define their future.

“They can see that being deaf is not the end of life. It is possible to dream, learn, succeed and make a difference,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to his mother, siblings, extended family and friends for standing by him throughout his journey, adding that he believes his late parents and grandmother would be proud of what he has become.

As he reflects on his life, Ogamenyi remains convinced that faith, family support and determination can overcome even the greatest obstacles.

His message is simple but powerful:

“The devil may try to delay your journey, but he can never stop the destiny that God has prepared for you.”

For many in the Idoma community and beyond, Ode Lawson Ogamenyi’s story is more than a personal testimony—it is a reminder that disability is not inability, and that with opportunity, support and perseverance, extraordinary dreams can become reality.