Finding ability beyond the wheelchair
I HAVE LEARNED TO LIVE IN HUMILITY, TO WAIT FOR MY TIME, TO LIVE ABOVE MY STRUGGLES, HURDLES AND BEYOND A WHEELCHAIR
Lois Auta hails from Kagoro, Kaura Local Government of Kaduna State. She was affected by polio at age two but she sees her disability as a bridge not a barricade to impact many lives. She also believes that disability does not define her but her ability does. Lois is the founder of Cedar Seed Foundation, an NGO dedicated to improving the lives of members of the disabled community. She has been given multiple awards both home and abroad for her humanitarian work. Her story is inspiring.
Educational background
I started my primary school in TC Demonstration in 1986 and graduated in 1991 with first position in the overall primary six classes in that same school. I then proceeded to GSS Kagoro and graduated in 1998 and from there went for further studies in public administration at University of Abuja. My parents could not afford my tuition fees, so I ventured into communication deals. I started selling and making phone calls to make money.
Career background
After I graduated from the University, I got a job with Nigerian National Petroleum Commission in 2010 where I was employed as a support staff. In 2011, I founded Cedar Seed Foundation. Since then, I’ve been joggling the NGO and my job with NNPC.
Growing up
I grew up and found myself different from other kids since I was affected by polio at age two, inferiority complex set in, I stopped mingling with children in my compound, school and Church. I was always indoors until my mom worked on my mindset and made me believe in myself. She taught me to be proud of myself and accept the way things turned out for me. And that was how I conquered low self-esteem and welcomed a high spirit of confidence.
Challenges
Lack of educational support, inaccessibility to most things and most places, discrimination, marginalization, exclusion from development as a woman with disability and from the society. But all those challenges shaped me and made me the woman that I am today.
Life lessons
I have learned to live in humility, to wait for my time, to live above my struggles, hurdles and beyond a wheelchair.
Most rewarding part of my career
When I was nominated in 2014 and selected as the only Nigerian Young Global Leader and the first Disabled African YGL of the World Economic Forum.
Aspirations growing up
Becoming the first richest physically challenged lady in Africa.
My typical day
After my morning prayers, I prepare for work, drive myself to the office, I attend meetings and head to Church in the evenings, I go home and prepare dinner. I go for shopping once a week.
Most cherished gift
My car, it was a gift from my boss
Favorite kind of music
Songs by Frank Edward, Solomon Lange and Don Moen
1st app I check in the morning/ bedtime
YouVersion-it’s a Bible application
What I wouldn’t be caught wearing
Clothes that expose my body
Best travel destination
Kartchner Caverns and Grand Canyon National Park, Arizon because it’s perfect for site seeing and different from other caves. It’s also among the ten best sites in the world.
How I relax
I go to parks and gardens within Abuja to relax in the evening, once or twice a week.
WHEELCHAIR TENNIS IS MY FAVOURITE SPORT, FAVOURITE COLOUR IS ORANGE AND I LIKE WHEN THE WEATHER COOL
Favourite quote
“Kindness is the best and only language that the deaf hear and the blind see”.
Favourite food
My traditional dish called pate or masa da miya taushe
Your definition of style
Comfortable and decent
Favorite fashion designer
I have none. I wear what looks good on me; I also wear a lot to the Ankara fabric made into beautiful styles by my tailor.
Mum’s advice that stuck over the years
Wait for your time, be patient, be humble, be good to people. at the point of her passing, she said to be a good girl. She knew she would be proud of me even in death. She passed away in 2011 but I’m still standing tall.
Favourite sport, colour and weather
Wheelchair tennis is my favourite sport, favourite colour is orange and I like when the weather cool.
Favorite day of the week
Sunday, because it is a day to reflect and worship God.
Role models
Joni Eareckson Tada, My Mother – Ladi Auta and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iwela
What I will tell a younger me
Look up to God; believe in yourself, work harder and smarter.
Tell us about Cedar Seed Foundation.
Cedar Seed Foundation, (CSF) is a youth led non-governmental, non-profit and nonsectarian membership based development organization established in 2011 with the mission of providing services that support persons with disabilities to participate in all aspects of life by mainstreaming their issues and concerns into national development agenda based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Our vision is to create a world where disabled people will actively participate in the society and enjoy equal human rights. CSF strives to facilitate an enabling environment and provide services that support disabled people in all aspects of life.
Thankfully, we have been able to improve the lives of disabled persons in Nigeria one at a time. Cedar Seed Foundation has received a lot of awards and recognition. Also, sponsors and supporters have joined hands with CSF to facilitate this movement, and we hope to do more. With the hardship I suffered as a disabled youth, I decided to help others like me to achieve greatness.
What has been your driving force despite challenges?
My God, my family and my friends.
What advice would you give to women?
They should love and support each other.