Senator Adams Oshiomhole, the former Governor of Edo State, visited the residence of his adopted daughter, Joyce Imasuen Osaivbie, on Sunday to celebrate her graduation from the University of Benin (UNIBEN) with a Second Class Upper degree in Law.
The milestone marks the culmination of a 14-year journey that began in 2011 when Oshiomhole, then serving as governor, encountered a nine-year-old Joyce at a disability rights lecture. Moved by her eloquent delivery of a Braille-prepared speech, the former labour leader publicly pledged to adopt her and oversee her welfare and education.
Addressing a crowd of well-wishers at the Imasuen family home on Upper Siluko Road, Oshiomhole admitted he initially harboured concerns about her choosing such a demanding field of study. He revealed that he had suggested "easier" alternatives like mass communication or political science, fearing the academic rigour of law for a visually impaired student.
"I am happy that, looking back, you were very sure of yourself and you knew you had to put everything into it," Oshiomhole said during the visit. "Rather than lamenting what you cannot change, you choose to demonstrate that with determination, you can still get to where you are going to get to."
Joyce, now 21, expressed profound gratitude for the senator’s consistent support, which spanned her secondary education at Queen's College, Lagos, through her recent graduation. She noted that Oshiomhole provided critical tools, including a specialised laptop, to facilitate her learning despite her disability.
The graduate’s father, Michael Imasuen, a schoolteacher, described the senator’s intervention as a life-changing relief for his family. He noted that Oshiomhole’s commitment remained steadfast even after his tenure as governor ended, lifting a financial burden that would have been impossible to manage on a teacher's salary.
Melody Omosah, Executive Director of the Network for the Advancement of People with Disabilities (NAPVID), underscored that the relationship was "completely devoid of politics." He emphasised that the frequent personal communication between the senator and Joyce over the years proved the sincerity of the adoption.
Oshiomhole concluded the visit by stating that Joyce’s success has "radically changed" his perspective on the potential of persons living with disabilities. He told his daughter that her achievement is a testament to the fact that physical challenges cannot limit a determined spirit, declaring, "The sky is your starting point."
