For 30-year-old Chisom Lorita Nnonyelu, losing her sight was never going to be the end of her story. A firm believer in the philosophy that disability does not equate to a lack of ability, the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) student has become a beacon of hope for many living with physical challenges in Anambra State.
Currently pursuing a degree in Guidance and Counselling, Chisom’s journey has been marked by significant personal loss. Despite the passing of both her parents—her mother when she was just 19 and her father a few years later—she has refused to let grief or her visual impairment stall her ambitions. As the eldest of seven siblings, she has stepped into a leadership role that extends far beyond her family circle.
Her impact on the university community has been so profound that she was crowned the “Face of Visually Impaired Students” at UNIZIK. Rather than just holding a title, she used her platform to organize a major empowerment initiative themed “Out of Sight is Not Out of Vision.” The event, which took place at the university auditorium, was a comprehensive package featuring medical outreach, skills acquisition sessions, and an exhibition of products made by persons with disabilities.
Chisom isn’t just an advocate; she is a budding entrepreneur. As the CEO of Lorit-C Events, she produces snacks like chin-chin and peanuts, and has launched a line of household cleaning products called “Clean Up.” However, her path into the market hasn’t been easy. She shared with Reports the stinging reality of discrimination, recalling instances where potential customers dismissed her products or tried to give her alms instead of making a purchase.
One particular encounter fueled her drive to change public perception. She recounted how a woman once offered her fifty naira instead of buying her product, assuming she was begging. This experience solidified her resolve to prove that being visually impaired does not mean being visionless. She organizes these training programs to ensure her peers can gain skills in areas like cosmetology and digital recording, helping them find their own financial footing.
During the empowerment program, speakers were quick to praise her doggedness. Dr. Elizabeth Anierobi, while presenting a paper on living a full life despite visual impairment, urged students to reject self-pity. She reminded the audience that the society can be unfair to everyone, and the key to success lies in utilizing the unique skills God has deposited in each individual, just as Chisom has done.
Chisom’s message to others in her position is one of self-worth. She believes that for the world to value someone with a disability, that individual must first find value in themselves. By refusing to be shy about her condition and working closely with her supportive siblings and course mates, she is proving that physical limitations are merely hurdles, not roadblocks.
