ADENIKE, the audacity of positivity in the midst of peculiar encounters
Adenike Oyetunde’s story is that of a young girl whose life’s trajectory changed one fateful day owing to a fall. It chronicles her journey through denial, strength, resilience, confusion, pain, tears, brokenness, surrender, and finally, freedom.
Though a broadcaster and social worker, Adenike is a Lawyer with almost ten years at the Nigerian Bar Association. Though not in active practice, she delved into the world of media (radio) until a few months ago. She had the only legal show on the air taking on topical issues and helping to solve numerous problems while giving free legal counsel alone or with the help of others.
Adenike Oyetunde, is the founder of Amputee United Initiative (AUI), she had been nominated for several media awards, winning some and getting others for recognition on the job.
Adenike’s passions include driving conversations around the plight of disability in Nigeria. This passion has led her to participate in and organise initiatives and social groups, specifically for amputees and other disabilities.
Adenike in 2017 was a speaker at the Tedx Gbagada, Lagos speaking on Philanthropy and the role of empathy in the human society.
Her work has earned her several platforms, spanning for hosting events, moderating several sessions and been part of many panels.
Where it all began
I attended primary school was at Command, Bonny Camp and then secondary school was at Queens College, Yaba. QC was a great experience and after that it was off to Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye.
During my time in the University, I slithered and fell on my right knee, and I was in excruciating pain that refused to go away. It was after this I was diagnosed with Osteogenic Sarcoma (a malignant bone tumour) which meant I was later to amputate my right leg if I wanted to live. It wasn’t an easy process, it took me a while but I got to a point that all I needed was to live. I was tired. I was sick. I was dying. I had become a shadow of myself, and the nearest and quickest solution was all I longed for. I am still learning the daily journey, to enjoy where God is taking me, learning to trust that He’s in the journey and I shouldn’t bother what the destination is, His plans far outweighs mine, no matter how much thought or planning I put into it.
I reminisce and wonder how I pulled through those horrible moments but I am grateful to God for amazing parents and also my friends and members of my campus fellowship.
The Book: ADENIKE
The book, which chronicles my journey through self-rediscovery, also contains tales about strength, hope, faith, charity found in the least expected places, the role of parents and finding God through one’s continued process to evolve.
Adenike is a real life story based on the Power of Faith, Hope and Love against the odds of life’s circumstances. It is about an intriguing real life story of a young girl whose life’s trajectory completely changed overnight and is still evolving. It’s a story that will take you through my denial, strength, resilience, confusion, pain, tears, brokenness, surrender, and finally my freedom and liberty into true Life. If you ever doubt that you cannot possibly pass through the trials and tribulations of life no matter how harsh it may be, Adenike will inspire you to re-think that though.
Amputees United Initiative (AUI)
The initiative was birthed from a place of personal journey to provide a safe haven for amputees, fresh and old, where journeys will be shared and experience heard, to strengthen each other, as these special humans continue to clamour for an inclusive society geared towards preparing Lagos and Nigeria towards the United Nations path to achieving an inclusive society in line with SDG 17. It also creates a platform for persons with special needs to discuss matters affecting them specifically; ranging from educational needs, medical needs and infrastructural needs.
Amputees United Initiative is an initiative dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for amputees. With the support of the public, we are helping amputees live well with limb loss, raising awareness about management of limb loss and providing a platform to help them live their full and thriving lives.
My ultimate goal with the initiative is to create a facility encompassing amenities to promote adaptive lifestyle (learning to use prosthetic limbs), establish recreational centres that are suitable for people with special needs, a gym specifically for PWDS; equipped with cycling and swimming facilities.
Where it can be purchased
Roving Heights Lagos, Amazon, Kindle, Book Peddlers Ng Lagos, Gift Source Abuja, Terra Kulture, Jazz Hole Ikoyi, Jed Mega Stores The Palms, Lekki, reading chapter one free on adenikeoyetunde.com, Boldoz Book Store Uyo, Bambooks, Patabah Books Surulere, Lagos, Okada Books, BuyBooks in Port Harcourt, Book Sellers in Ibadan.
Time on radio
I got an internship slot on radio, at that time the only talk radio in Lagos and Nigeria. I had learnt a few things, which propelled me as a suitable candidate for a job when they need arose. I hosted the only legal show on radio ‘Legal Angle’ and one of the best Sunday morning show ‘The Refresh’. However, my stint on the job, almost five years later came to a somewhat abrupt end when I was fired.
What is the greatest lesson life has taught you?
...that life will happen, at some point. It’s fine; try all you can, move on. It’s a very crazy world we’re in, but it’s equally beautiful. Life has taught me never to expect anything from anyone, this is a hard one; still learning. Life has taught me to help, give, guide and protect, as many as I can.
How have you been able to stay strong through it all?
I am not strong every time, of course not. I break down, I am weak, I am tired, I am confused, I want more. But, in all these seasons, I try all I can, where I can’t, God has blessed me with this amazing group of individuals (my HTP family), I reach out for help.
Final words
Find your peace, through life’s seeming chaos. Guard your joy. Be intentional about living. Be all you were made for.