Adenike Oyetunde, an academically sound Nigerian lady, had her right limb amputated when she was 20. The qualified lawyer who is also a radio presenter has so much to share when it comes to her struggles in life.
Adenike Oyetunde, the young lady who won a battle with cancer.
The interesting personality has not allowed her disability to take away the zeal to live and be successful. She suffered from Osteogenic Sarcoma (a common bone cancer) which led to the amputation of one of her limbs. However, the strength and energy she exudes will leave you stunned.
ZENITHBLOG.com had the opportunity to interact with the amazing OAP; she shared her story with us in a beautiful and entrancing way. The cancer survivor is a source of inspiration to many people battling the terrifying virus. Find some incredible discoveries gotten from her journey below:
Can you tell us more about yourself?
I am a lawyer turned radio presenter, a fun person and food lover. I don’t like to travel. I am a lover of God and also see myself as a person on a journey.
Her enthusiasm and zeal for life is a source of inspiration to many.
What was growing up like for you? Where did you school?
There is not much about that. I am the only child of my parents; so growing up basically was me, dad and my mum. Of course, I have family everywhere. I am a family oriented person who values friendship. Loyalty means a whole lot to me.
I had my primary education at Command Children School in Victoria Island, attended Queens College in Yaba for my secondary education and graduated from Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU).
I proceeded to Nigerian Law School in Lagos and finished from there in 2010. So I am a qualified lawyer but I am not practicing.
The vibrant lady is proud of the woman she has become.
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The cancer issue, how did it start?
I was diagnosed (with Osteogenic Sarcoma) and my leg had to be amputated to save my life; that was in 2006. The reality of living with one leg dawned on me over time and my journey started. It has been a journey of self-discovery. Living with a disability in Nigeria comes with its own challenges.
I met inspiring people along the way and now I am living my life to the fullest. It has been a gratifying and humbling experience. I would regard this as 11 years of questioning, 11 years of pains and tears, 11 years of love and friendship, 11 years of becoming myself… all in all I would regard this journey as 11 interesting years I would not trade for anything.
Has your condition affected your career and profession in any way?
It has not! My sufficiency comes from God. Me going through all I did and beating cancer has not stopped me from achieving anything.
Being in the media has not changed my person too. I stay in my lane and respect myself. You need to learn what to do, do not be everywhere. I, for one, do not have the physical strength to be everywhere so the media has not taken me out of my space.
The lively OAP revealed she has never been suicidal as she does not dwell in depression.
How do you deal with relationship and emotional issues?
The same way everyone does! People have problems when dating and they deal with it the best way they can. Being in a relationship is not a problem for me.
However, if the first thing you see in me is my disability, then we cannot be friends. It is either you upgrade and change your orientation about life. The Bible says Iron sharpeneth iron.
As for emotions, I handle them the best way I can. I have never been suicidal. Killing yourself is the most unreasonable thing ever. Death would not solve the problem. No one is worth your life; my joy comes from God.
I listen to music, I love Jesus culture and a couple of gospel songs. I love Olamide too. The thing is I have never dwelled in depression. I have come to understand there is beauty in life. As a matter of fact, I am a beacon of life, I have hope and will remain a happy person.
It is okay to feel you want something you have lost back but then, know that you are the only limiting factor. Only you can limit you. The Bible says be true to thy self. It is okay to be sad but do not dwell in that zone.
We all have our stories and we share them to learn. If you are suicidal, then you need to go to the hospital to change your mindset.
When my leg was amputated, I did not care. I was not thinking of what would happen in the next five to ten years, I just wanted to live.
Looking back to how far you have come, how does being successful make you feel?
My life is not mine. All these luxuries amount to nothing outside of God. I am a qualified lawyer with so many things unraveling. I am on a journey. But I know I do not want to remember penury.
The joy of God is her strength.
What inspired you to further your studies?
I was in my second year in the university when my leg was amputated. There was no room for me to quit my studies or drop out. I am the only child; stopping school was not a choice.
Upon being discharged, I wrote my exams and that was my best result throughout my entire time in the university. It was the only year I had A’s in four unit courses. I did not want to have extra year so I combined all the courses I could take then. It was a beautiful time.
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The beautiful lady shines always.
Any message to other women out there?
It would be hard to help anyone who has low self-esteem. This means that women should brace themselves and work on their self-worth.
Women should let go of relationships that hurt, there is no need to fight because everyone can fly. Focus on things you can do. Until you know who you are, you will keep moving in circles. Whoever does not support you, let them go.
What’s next now, marriage?
Laughs…I would of course get married someday. Marriage will come when it comes but I am not seeing anyone at the moment. I am optimistic about life, grateful to God for everything. On what is next, I am still dreaming, so dream on. Find people to help you.
The video below is a typical example of another inspiring story of a young Nigerian lady who works as a female taxi driver.
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