A visually-impaired technician, Adeyemi Omotayo, who specialises in the repairs of air conditioners and generators, amongst other household appliances in the Ajah area of Lagos State, speaks to GODFREY GEORGE on how he plies his trade despite his disability
Where are you from?
My name is Adeyemi Hakeem Omotayo and I’m from Ijaiye Town in Abeokuta, Ogun State. I’m a family man. I have a daughter and a set of twins. My daughter’s name is Adeyemo Opeyemi.
When did you begin your career as a technician?
I’ve been a technician for over 20 years. But, I have been involved with other jobs on the side. I started repairing generators before I started repairing other household appliances. When I first started the trade, people did come around and ask if I could repair fans. I would take the fans, ask them what happened to it and start working on it. In two days, I would be done and call them to come and pick it up. They will be so happy when they come and their fan is working.
Did you learn this trade?
I didn’t learn it from anybody. I’m not going to lie to you. I didn’t learn it. God gave me wisdom and knowledge. When I lived in Navy town, I did a practical and theory course in electrical repairs. These courses were done inside the Naval base.
In the base, there are a lot of handworks. The officers came to me and incorporated me into the electrical repairs and technician class, seeing that I had passion for the trade. They encouraged me to work with them, and that was how I started.
How did you lose your sight?
Hmmm… It is a long story. The problem started in 1986. It happened all of a sudden. I couldn’t see any object that far except it was placed right in front of me. I went to the hospital when I noticed it but the response they gave me was not encouraging.
In 2006, it got worse. I couldn’t see anything at all one day when I woke up. It was the same year I got married to my wife and had my daughter. That year, I noticed that I could not cross the road by myself. It was a really challenging time.
Another hospital told me the surgery would cost N600, 000 just for one of the eyes. They told me that if that one is clear, they would then do the other one. Right now, I cannot see anything.
How old were you when you lost your sight?
I was around 28 years old. I’ll be 50 years old this year.
How did you manage to move now because I noticed you came here all by yourself?
This is my environment. I’ve been here for a while, so I know all the routes. For example, if I’m taken to another place, I can’t be familiar with the area except I’ve been used to the area, then I’ll know how to find my way. But if it’s from here to where you parked your vehicle, I might not be able to get there unless someone escorts me there.
So, does that mean that you can’t see us at all?
Yes, it means I cannot see the colour of your shirt or your complexion or what you look like, but I know that you are standing before me.
Did you go to school?
Yes, I went to primary and secondary school. I attended a primary school then popularly called Jakande School, Awoyaya. Then, they moved it to Victoria Island and it became a secondary school. That was where I finished.
Which help have you got since the challenge started?
People do pity me when they realise I am blind. They come to me and talk to me. Sometimes, at the place I’m seated presently, some people help me to arrange the place for me so I can work. They know I am married and need to eat so they assist me so hunger doesn’t kill me. I am just trying my best to survive.
Do you get a lot of patronage even with your condition?
I’m happy and content because people bring work for me. For instance, if someone brings in a microwave and complains that it is not working; I know what the problem is. It is because the heater is not working. I’ll change it and it will start working.
In the case of pressing iron; if it’s faulty and does not come on, the problem is from the thermostat. I’ll simply change it and it will start again. I repair all foreign appliances and locally made goods, because I know everything. And if I should tell them they should come later in the evening to collect it, if they come, I’ll test again in their presence and they would see that it has started working.
You know there are different types of screwdriver, how do you know which one to use at a given time?
Thank you for this question. That screw you are talking about has different types. They are some they call L&K. L & K also have different types and come in diverse sets. I know them all.
How has the adjustment been for you now as a blind technician, knowing that you used to see before?
If I can see more clearly than this, I would be happy. I can’t say the complexion of the kids I gave birth to. They know I love them and they understand the situation that I am in. In order not to be sad, I try not to think about it too much.
That’s the reason why I’m doing this work so I’ll be happy. I am happy I am not jobless.
Have you had any friends who abandoned you because of your condition?
Of course, it happened when I was in school before I got married. Some people will abuse me when they see me. Some friends would mock me. Some will not. Some will abuse me and later apologise in order for me not to be angry. But I have many people who are close to me. They pity me a lot. Some do come to me if I’m working and ask if I want to know the colour of wire I’m holding. If I ask for the wire colour, I’ll know their function. That’s why people come closer to me to make my work easier for me.
What about your parents and other family members?
My family members are fine. My dad is dead, but my mom is old, and we are the ones taking care of her.
What are your customers’ reactions when you do a good job?
Most of them are always surprising. Some do stay with me if I’m working to learn how I fix things up. I’ll couple it in their presence and test it as well. I have a standby generator here. My customers are always happy. At times, they double the initial amount I charge them for the good job.
Some of them also refer to me. They always call me ‘Baba Ibeji’. There is no electrical appliance that I cannot repair. As long as I have the parts, I will repair it and it will be brand new.
What do you want the government to do for people like you living with disabilities?
I hear on radio that the government has avenues to listen to the needs of people like me and help them. But, as we all know, the government can’t cater to all disabled people. So, we all must help anyone who lives with a disability around us, especially the ones who want to work.
