“We Have Degrees, We Chose Not to Beg” – The Unseen Struggle of a Blind Lagos Couple

In the bustling streets of Lagos, a blind couple, Stanley Theophilus, 47, and Victoria Uchechukwu Ekesi, 28, are navigating the harsh realities of unemployment and poverty with resilience, relying on their three young children as guides.

Neither was born blind; both lost their sight due to complications from measles. Stanley’s vision was lost in childhood after an untreated follow-up surgery and a subsequent accident. Victoria’s blindness resulted from a medical error. “The doctor made the worst mistake. Instead of starting with the bad eye, he operated on the good one. That was how the season of my sight ended,” she said, her voice filled with aching resentment.

Despite their disabilities, both pursued education vigorously. Victoria earned a degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution from the National Open University and another in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos. Stanley attended a special school for the blind where he learned vocational skills.

They met in 2013 in a classroom for the visually impaired. “I saw beyond obstacles. I just saw a nice person with a kind heart,” Victoria said. “With him… it was different. I felt safe.”

Today, their greatest challenge is providing for their family. “Despite two degrees, I am still battling the twin struggles of joblessness,” Victoria explained. “I have submitted my CV to several companies, but not a single reply has come.” To make ends meet, she produces insecticide, but struggles to market it, and Stanley, a skilled musician, finds gigs scarce.

The couple faces imminent hardship with their rent due and a plea for help. Stanley passionately appealed for an opportunity, not charity. “I am appealing to Nigerians to help me get signed to a record label. I have albums sitting unreleased because I cannot afford to produce the video or promote them,” he said.

He made a covenant never to beg. “Give me just one chance,” Stanley’s voice quivered. “If I fail, drop me — but I won’t fail. I know what I carry. It’s in my bones, in my spirit, in every note I play. I just need someone to believe enough to let me show it.”