Fourteen years after former Edo State Governor and current Senator representing Edo North, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, publicly adopted a nine-year-old blind schoolgirl, Joyce Imasuen Osaivbie, the young woman has graduated with a Second Class Upper Division in Law from the University of Benin (UNIBEN).
Joyce’s remarkable journey began on December 4, 2011, during the inaugural “Rights Above Charity” lecture organised by the Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID) to mark the United Nations Day for Persons with Disabilities. At the event, Joyce, then a pupil of the School for the Blind, delivered a flawless speech prepared in Braille—a performance that moved the audience to tears.
Deeply touched, Oshiomhole made a spontaneous but historic pledge.
“I listened to the young girl who read the speech earlier. I have never heard a child, even the non-physically challenged, read like she did. It broke my heart… I want to say publicly today that I want to adopt her as my child,” he declared.
What many initially dismissed as political rhetoric soon proved genuine. Days later, Oshiomhole invited Joyce, her family and NAPVID representatives to his official residence, formally welcomed her into his family, and committed to supporting her education, healthcare and welfare.
By 2017, Joyce had gained admission into Queen’s College, Lagos, where she consistently ranked among the school’s brightest students. Oshiomhole marked her 15th birthday with a surprise celebration at her family home in Benin City, accompanied by top state officials.
On Friday, the former governor returned to the Imasuen family residence on Upper Siluko Road, Benin City, to celebrate Joyce’s latest milestone—her graduation from UNIBEN.
Speaking with pride, Oshiomhole said:
“Rather than lamenting what you cannot change, you chose to demonstrate that with determination, you can still get to where you are going. There are many people who are not challenged at all and still cannot get a law degree… Imagine making a 2.1 with all the challenges. The sky is your starting point in life.”
He recalled his initial doubts when Joyce chose to study Law.
“I advised her to consider other courses, but she insisted. Looking back now, I am happy she was confident in herself and committed. Today, she is a graduate of Law.”
Joyce, visibly emotional, expressed deep gratitude.
“He ensured I was comfortable, supported my education and even bought me a laptop when I gained admission into UNIBEN in 2019. My years in school were stress-free, except for school work. On January 31, 2025, I completed my programme and I am proud to say I graduated with a 2.1.”
Her father, Michael Imasuen, described Oshiomhole’s intervention as life-changing.
“What could have been a burden to me as a teacher, he lifted completely. I am deeply grateful.”
The Executive Director of NAPVID, Melody Omosah, affirmed that the relationship between Joyce and Oshiomhole has remained sincere and apolitical.
“This relationship is completely devoid of politics. He has remained a father to her in every sense.”
From a nine-year-old delivering a Braille speech to a governor to a 21-year-old law graduate celebrated by her community, Joyce Imasuen Osaivbie’s story has become a powerful symbol of how empathy, opportunity and determination can transform lives.
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