A 15-year-old conflict-affected boy, Bakura Muhammad has thrilled everyone after presenting the morning news on Al- Ansaar radio in Maiduguri.
The news presentation, which was in commemoration of the World Children’s Day, was organized by UNICEF, GoalPrime Organization and Al Ansaar Radio.
Muhammad, who was born blind and whose life ambition is to become a newscaster said children with disability should have the opportunity of education.
He credits his father who enrolled him in school when he was 8 years.
“My mother died 30 days after I was born blind. It has been a challenging experience for me since birth.
” Some neighbours advised my father not to enroll me in school.
” They said I would be better off begging for alms. But he did not listen to them.
“I am here today because of education. I speak English, Hausa and Kanuri fluently.
” I have role models in the media and I know that with this opportunity, doors will open for me.
” I was initially scared but after presenting the news, my confidence level has improved,’’ he said.
In a statement, the UNICEF Chief of Maiduguri Field Office in Maiduguri, Phuong T. Nguyen, said children with disability are not a liability.
” She urged stakeholders to respect their fundamental rights and provide them with opportunities to flourish.
“Disability should not reduce the value of children. Every child is valuable, talented and should be supported.
“UNICEF is working with stakeholders to ensure that children, no matter their physical or environmental circumstances are supported to fulfill their potentials,’’ she said.
Wow this impressive……