Geoffrey Asadu is a study in courage. A legal practitioner with a difference.
Regardless of his physical challenge of blindness, he gained admission into the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, and came out in flying colours.
One remarkable thing about this rare breed is that he has never lost any case in court for the over two decades that he has been active practicing law.
He spoke to Daily Sun in Nigeria about his life.
Geoffrey on his early life, and how he became blind.
I was born on February 25, 1962. I was not born blind. I was already six years old when, all of a sudden I became blind. Before then, I was already dealing in yam tubers at Ogige main market, Nsukka, to help my parents augment their source of income as they were not financially stable. The blindness came as a result of severe headache that started in 1976.
The headache lasted for about three days. As the headache continued, I was taken to Akulue Hospital, Nsukka, where I was administered with one drug by one medical doctor, who owned the hospital. I was given an injection by the doctor for three days. On the third morning, I was supposed to go to hospital but I was surprised to discover that I couldn’t see.
I became totally and automatically blind. I got up that morning but couldn’t see. I groped and started shouting that I wasn’t seeing again. I was rushed to Bishop Shanahan Hospital, Nsukka, UNTH, Enugu, and Parklane Enugu, but no way. We even went as far as Kano State but all to no avail. My sight couldn’t come back, till today.
My father did everything he could to make me see again but it was no longer possible. When later I told the doctor that many people were of the opinion that the injection he administered on me might have caused my blindness, he became so much worried and uneasy.
His life as a successful lawyer:
It has not been easy. It is not supposed to be easy as a matter of fact. There have been a lot of challenges, but I don’t have any regrets. I have not lost any case in court since I started practising more than 25 years now.
I am feeling so much fulfilled. I don’t think there is anything I could have achieved better or more if I was not blind. I am married with seven children, two of whom are now graduates. I have built two duplexes in my village here.
I have private car, so to speak. Politically, I am also active. I am a member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Currently, I am the president-g eneral of Enugu State Education and Social Development Workers Association. I rose from the level of welfare assistant to director. So, it has been challenging but I don’t feel short-changed. I am fulfilled.
(H/T Daily Sun)