He recently shared his experience with his blind students at FNSB in an interview with Vanguard.
About yourself:
I attended Pacelli School for the Blind after I lost my sight at the age of three in the sixties due to measles. I am now in my sixties. I took interest in music at a very young age. I started learning the trumpet, then I went on to learn the accordion, and then the piano and other instruments. Also, I went to Scotland to study music. Presently, I am the Music Consultant of the Vocational Training Centre for the Blind at the Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind. I am married with four children.
How He Became Blind:
The initial journey was rough, but God has been good. We didn’t have all these state-of-the-art equipment that we use now. It was not very easy. But thanks to some Irish sisters who came from Dublin to run the Pacelli School for the Blind, I attended the school. The school caters for those who are born blind or lose their sight at a young age.
How He Started Music:
The Irish Sisters brought all sorts of instruments to the school. I loved the sound of saxophone and trumpet and then I decided I wanted to go into music. But then, I was chased away because they said I was too small. So I arranged with the then music teacher, Mr. Falana, that I would come privately so that he could teach me how to play the instruments. We started with the trumpet, then followed with the drums, accordion, keyboard, etc. And that is how my music career started. I went to Scotland to study music and perfected my skills there.
How He Started Teaching Music:
I returned to Nigeria and went back to Pacelli to teach for 21 years as music teacher. Then I moved on to the Ministry of Education, Isolo to teach for 14 years. Now I am the Music Consultant at the Vocational Training Centre of the Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind (FNSB), Oshodi.
About Award Winning Songstress Cobhams Asuquo:
Let me think of one you may know. I remember I had a student called Cobhams Asuquo. I am sure you have heard of him. I taught him how to play the keyboard and he has done me proud. There are many others who have forged successful careers in music. I can’t even remember all of them. There are too many to count! Many of them have their own bands and they are making money, so I am happy. Many play music in their churches too.
FNSB is the only blind boarding educational and vocational NGO in Nigeria, founded in 1955.
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