DURING the recent African's Child celebration, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with other groups invited Francis Akingbemi, a man without legs, as a performing artiste to raise the hopes of children with disabilities. The misfortune that turned Akingbemi to an amputee befell him when he was 9. Nevertheless, he has been able to make life enterprising and lovely. He's now loved and respected by many, married to a banker, employer of 37 workers, an entertainment personality and into many other lucrative businesses. In a chat with The Guardian Newspaper, he spoke to OLUSHOLA RICKETTS on his life and determination to be respected in the societyCan we meet you'My name is Francis Akingbemi; I am the president of Sky Music & Entertainment. After I returned from USA 1996, Para Olympic Games, I was given an honorary award for my excellent performances.How did you get to USA 1996'I was born and bred in Ondo state. As an Ondo boy, I grew up on the water-sideWhen I came to Lagos in 1987, I was involved in sporting activities at the National stadium, Lagos. Along the way, I was picked for the Para Olympic games. I represented Nigeria in table-tennis and swimming. I took a gold medal in the swimming competition, while I settled for a bronze in table-tennis.I enjoyed my stay in the US. We came in as ambassadors of our countries and we were also accepted without sense of rejection. During those days we spent in the US, wheel chairs were used to help us around. But I have always refused to ride on wheel chairs because I don't see myself as disabledWe were also taken to different places after the tournament such as fast-food joints, supermarkets, clubs and other interesting places.What is your educational background'Well, I didn't finish my secondary school due to financial constraint. I spent all my elementary years in Cameroun. I went to a private school for the disabled in Cameroun, Igbo Alejo secondary school, owned by Nigeria. The school is located somewhere around Douala, the waterside. My mummy, Florence Akingebemi, is from Douala too. My daddy is Adewale Akingbemi but both are late now.Were you born without legs'No! I was told it was a train accident when I was 9-year-old. My elder brother, Mr. Igbekele Akinbgemi worked with the Nigerian Railway, Ebutte-Metta and we normally visited him. As the train was coming towards a tree I was on top, alarm was raised but I was too young to pay much attention. The train hit one of the branches of the tree; I fell on top of the train and later fell down. The train crushed my two legs and that was how I got maimed.What has been your driving force'It's simply God. Many people in my condition gave up because they believed that nothing positive could come out of them again. But to me, the challenge was the beginning of my life. I stood up to face my condition and I am happy I took that decision.What are you doing presently'Now, I am into a lot of things. I can boast of 37 workers under me.Returning home after the tournament, the late Abacha government asked everyone to return to his home. I returned to Lagos and the then government under Buba Maruwa gave each of us N800, 000.With the money, I brought a big container from Cross Marine. Beside Apapa Health centre in 2001, I opened a barbing saloon, a business center and a Disk Jockey (DJ) studio. I sing and I perform songs too.I actually don't want to waste the; that was why I ventured into business. If you look at it, N800, 000 then is roughly equivalent to 15 million now.Also, I opened a bar and started playing music or displaying my DJ skill there. I also have five cars hired out to drivers in Muritala Muhammed Airport.How did you learn the DJ skill'When we came back to Nigeria after the Para-Olympic games, we were taken to different places. Then, the Federal Government celebrated us from one local government to another. They brought musicians to entertain us and from there, I tapped the idea of venturing into entertainment.So far, what's your biggest setback'As a man grows, challenges become bigger. But one I am so passionate about was when the Fashola Government decided to demolish my house. I bought the land and put two storey-building on it, but the government said it was situated on the road and it was affecting the drainage system.Till date, the government has not compensated us. We've been going to Aluasa to no avail. We don't really know how much the government would pay but they promised to compensate us.Are you married'Why not' I am even blessed with three children. I had my traditional marriage seven years ago. The name of my wife is Bola Akingbemi and she works with UBA. The oldest of my children is six, while the youngest is two.I met my wife in the church and we dated for two years before marriage. I recalled my wife's father telling me that he asked his daughter if she realised my condition, but she replied 'would someone not marry me if I happen to be in the same condition''Are you satisfied with the activities of NGOs to make the society a better place for the disabled'I must confess that most of the Non-governmental organisations are just using the disabled to gather wealth. They are fond of organising programmes with the welfare of the physically challenged persons at hand but after collecting donations from people, they disappear into thin air.For instance, I know of a woman (I won't disclose her identity). She invited me as an ambassador to a physically challenged-programme in 2004. I went there, I performed and the Late Stella Obasanjo was even the Mother Of The Day. The event attracted power horses in the society and the woman made almost N1 billion. She promised to build a school and other laudable projects for the benefit of the disables. People were so excited about the initiative but at the end of it, she went with the money. I saw the woman after a long period; I asked her about the project and she couldn't say anything substantial. She later attempted to give N50, 000 on that spot, which I rejected immediately. I said 'why didn't she start up the programmes people donated money for''However, her case was just one in a million as so many people have cultivated the same habit. I don't know how Nigerians think! But I still think some of them are really trying.Government is not helping matters also. They are just showing little care. I am not concerned about myself because I am doing well. If I can pay the salaries of 37 workers, that means I don't need anybody's assistance. I know it's not possible for government to help everybody, but more effort should be made to help disabled persons.Who are your workers'I have five drivers for my cars; I have about nine Disc Jockeys (DJs); I have people that work with my video cameras and photos; I have a club and I am contracted for cleaning of compounds or new houses. All these people get paid under me and I pay out N700, 000 per-month.Do you think Government policy has helped people with disabilities'I don't really understand government's plans for the physically challenged. They are doing little or nothing but I am hoping it would get better in the future.What's your biggest dream'I must say that I would like to be a Minister or Commissioner for Youth and Sport. In Nigeria, we don't see sport as a game for the future in the ways we handle it. I wish to come into that area and accommodate the disabled more.It's hard to believe that since 96, we don't have any representatives in the Para Olympic games. All attention is being concentrated on football when we have talented individuals to do the country proud.What are your last words'I want government to look at us like children that need to grow. No mother gives birth and dumps the baby. They should consider us in education and in policy formulation. I would like to contest as a senator someday but no rooms for disabled people to be active in politics.Also, government should set aside a ministry for the disabled and managed by the disabled. We should be welcome as part and parcel of the society; we need to be shown love and respect.For those on the street begging for alms, God has given everyone talents. If you can identify your talent and use it wisely, people will give you the kind of respect I am enjoying anywhere I go. I am 53-year-old now.
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