Encomium
Usman Sadiq whose light was cut off on January 25, 2016, when two men gouged out his eyes in Buda, Zaira Kaduna state has started school. Sadiq was reported to have resumed schooling at the Prof. Ango Abdullahi international school in Zaria. The schooling arrangement was made by two humanitarians.
The toddler lost his sight when he was on his way to buy sweet, after which he was accosted by two men on a motorcycle who grabbed him and carried him to an unknown destination where they carried out the dastardly act.
Because of his refusal to trust anyone since the incident occurred, the school decided to offer his brother Umar scholarship, so as to keep Sadiq company, boost his confidence and assist him when necessary.
His plight caught the attention of notable dignities which includes Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State; Senator Shehu Sani and the highly revered Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris.
It was reported that the Emir sponsored Sadiq’s trip to the National Eye Centre in Kaduna. From there, he was referred to the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, where they operated upon the eyes, while Governor Nasir El-Rufai promised him scholarship.
He was recently visited by Emeka Oparah, Vice President Corporate Communications & Corporate Social Responsibility of Airtel Nigeria, who reported the remarkable improvement Sadiq is making so far.
Oparah in a face book post said Sadiq, who is being trained in the area of mobility, socialization and academics, is coming to grasp with the use of Braille (Learning aid for blind people). He also solicited for support for the toddler as he said Sadiq Usman foundation will be launched soon, to enable people reach out to him.
Oparah who was introduced to the toddler by one Mallam Bello Abdullahi said : “I vow to continue to support Sadiq. One thing is clear in my mind ; so long as I live Sadiq will live to profess the goodness of Allah…
“ I am supremely confident and firmly of the belief that one day, Sadiq will stand on the podium at the United Nations, as God lives, to speak about Children’s right.”
Olalekan Olonilua for encomium.ng
