By Vivian Onyebukwa
Mary Faith Ijiga is an uncommon young lady. Blinded by a failed surgery as an infant, Faith has never allowed that disability to limit her from focusing on and achieving her many dreams. An author of three books, she recently published Jungle Justice, a book that x-rays the activities of the Boko Haram sect and its insurgency.
In this interview with Saturday Sun, she speaks about her life, the society, her book on Boko Haram and how the insurgency can be eradicated. She also has a word for the youth: Be open-minded, embrace your individuality, and don’t be afraid to take risks.
How do you feel at times about your sight?
That’s a great question. My journey hasn’t been without its challenges. I was diagnosed with cataracts at just six months old, and underwent a failed surgery at the age of one that left my eyes beyond medical repair. But to be honest, I don’t really “remember” or “forget” the condition of my sight because it’s always present. My visual impairment is a constant aspect of my life, something I’m always aware of. It’s not something that comes and goes or that I can ignore or forget about – it’s just a fundamental part of who I am and how I experience the world. While I’m always aware of my visual impairment, I rarely take the time to dwell on it. Life is too short to get caught up in what could have been, and I believe it’s more important to focus on what’s yet to come. I am what’s most people call a workaholic, always on the go and driven to achieve my goals. My busy schedule doesn’t often allow for introspection or self-pity. Honestly, the only thing that really gets to me is when people make assumptions about my abilities based on my visual impairment. They might say things like, “Oh, you can’t do this or that because of your eyes.” And I’m like, “Wait, I may not be able to see, but my entire body is still functioning just fine, thank you very much!”. I’m a multifaceted professional with a range of skills that showcase my mental and physical capabilities. As a book editor, proof reader, copywriter, and ghost writer, I excel in mental labour. I’ve even authored three novels, including one over 120,000 words, and several short stories. Additionally, I’m a skilled podcaster and audio editor. If physical labour is what you need, watch me transform a dirty house in just a few hours or cook up a storm that will leave you craving more. I’m also adept at internet research and much more. My visual impairment doesn’t define me – I’m a dynamic and capable individual who gets things done. No, I’m not saying all these to brag or hide behind my accomplishments. I’m simply showing you that my visual impairment doesn’t limit me. And don’t just take my word for it – ask the people around me, my colleagues, friends, and family. They’ll tell you the same thing: I’m a hard worker, a go-getter, and a dedicated professional who happens to have a visual impairment. My work speaks for itself, and I’m proud of what I’ve achieved. So, let’s focus on what I can do, not what I can’t.
Has it stopped you from accomplishing any of your dreams?
Not at all. My visual impairment has never held me back from pursuing my goals and dreams. In fact, it’s often pushed me to work harder and find creative solutions to overcome any obstacles. I’ve learned to adapt and navigate challenges in ways that have made me stronger and more resilient. Growing up with my eye condition presented a significant challenge, but I’ve been determined to beat the odds. And I’m thrilled to say I’ve proven the world wrong about their stereotypes of people with my condition. But here’s the thing – I don’t believe in arriving at a destination. Every morning, I tell myself I still have a long way to go. The sky is just my starting point, not my limit. I know it sounds cliché, but I truly believe it – and I live it out in my actions every day. I won’t limit my mind or myself, no matter what my sight condition tries to tell me. And let’s be real, I’m not just talking the talk – I’m walking the walk (or should I say, stumbling forward with a white cane?). But seriously, no disability – not even my sight condition – can limit me unless I let it. So, watch out world – I’m just getting started.
You just wrote a book about Boko Haram. What motivated you to write the book?
I was deeply disturbed by the atrocities committed and are still being committed by Boko Haram in Nigeria and neighbouring countries. As I delved deeper into the horrors they’ve been inflicting, I felt compelled to share the stories of the victims and survivors. I wanted to raise awareness about the brutality of terrorism and the resilience of those affected. I hoped that by sharing these stories, I could inspire action and support for those fighting against terrorism.
What is the story around it?
I wanted to explore the human cost of terrorism through the eyes of a young girl accused of blasphemy. I imagined the fear, the uncertainty, and the desperation that comes with being labelled an enemy by a ruthless group like Boko Haram. I wanted to show how terrorism destroys lives, tears families apart, and leaves deep scars. Through this story, I aimed to humanise the victims and highlight the importance of empathy and understanding. Let me also add that this story was also inspired by real life events. In my author’s notes which is at the end of the book, I separated facts and fiction, giving specific dates and time with helpful articles.
What style did you use in sending out the message?
I chose a thriller-like style to convey the urgency and danger faced by my characters. I wanted readers to feel the fear, the anxiety, and the desperation that comes with living under terrorist rule. By using vivid language and suspenseful plot twists, I aimed to create a sense of tension and unease, mirroring the experiences of those living in conflict zones. I hoped that this style would keep readers engaged and invested in the story, making the message more impactful and memorable.
Why do you think Boko Haram insurgency has not been defeated?
I believe that Boko Haram’s insurgency hasn’t been defeated for several reasons, including religious and ideological differences. Boko Haram is fighting to impose a strict Sharia law in a predominantly Muslim region that has a more relaxed practice of Islam. Political and economic grievances are also part of the problem. The region is one of the poorest in the country, and there are feelings of political marginalization and exclusion. Foreign influences, too. Boko Haram has pledged solidarity with other terrorist groups and has received training and assistance from them. Again, government’s response. The military response has been heavy-handed, leading to accusations of human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings, which has fuelled the insurgency. It can also be attributed to social and economic conditions. The region has a high level of poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy, making it easier for Boko Haram to recruit new members.
What do you think can be done to eradicate it?
Eradicating Boko Haram requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of the insurgency. Here are some strategies I believe can be employed. They include military action, a targeted and intelligent military campaign to dismantle Boko Haram’s leadership and operational capabilities, ideological counter-narrative and a robust counter-narrative to challenge Boko Haram’s extremist ideology and promote a more inclusive and tolerant interpretation of Islam. Again, socio-economic development should be given attention by investing in education, economic empowerment, and infrastructure development to address the region’s historical marginalization and poverty. More so, political inclusion encouraging political participation and representation for the region’s citizens to address feelings of exclusion and marginalization can help in solving the problem. There should be humanitarian support providing aid and support to victims of Boko Haram’s violence and displacement. Regional cooperation is also important by collaborating with neighbouring countries to share intelligence and coordinate military efforts to prevent cross-border movements of terrorists. There should be community engagement. Building trust with local communities to encourage them to reject Boko Haram’s ideology and support the government’s efforts. And then, establishing programmes to rehabilitate and de-radicalize former Boko Haram members and sympathizers.
Has this situation affected people with disability in any way?
Yes. The situation with Boko Haram has had a devastating impact on people with disabilities in the affected regions. Many have been caught in the crossfire, injured, or displaced, and are struggling to access basic necessities like food, water, and medical care. Some specific challenges faced by people with disabilities in this context include inaccessible evacuation routes and shelters, lack of access to medical care and rehabilitation services, limited mobility and difficulty fleeing from attacks, and increased vulnerability to violence and exploitation
What can the government do to protect lives of the disabled in the society?
To protect the lives of people with disabilities, the government can provide accommodations in shelters and evacuation routes, enact and enforce laws protecting the rights of people with disabilities, promote inclusive education and awareness to combat stigma and discrimination, and support disability-friendly infrastructure development. Other measures the government can take to protect the lives of the disabled is to establish disability-focused humanitarian programmes and funding, encourage representation and participation of people with disabilities in decision-making processes, collaborate with disability organisations to ensure inclusive policies and practices. By taking these steps, the government can help ensure the safety, dignity, and inclusion of people with disabilities in society.
Besides writing books, what other things might people not know about you?
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution from the National Open University of Nigeria. In addition to my work as an author, I’m also a podcaster and the founder of an online community for Christian writers and readers. I’m passionate about sharing my thoughts and experiences through my writing and podcasting. I hail from Benue State, but I currently reside in Port Harcourt, Rivers State in Nigeria. My interest in politics developed during my days in the university, where I was exposed to various perspectives and ideologies that shaped my worldview. Today, I channel that interest into writing crime, political, and military thrillers that explore the complexities of human nature and the consequences of power struggles. Besides writing, I’m also a fan of sports, music, and communication. I believe that stories have the power to inspire and transform us, and I’m committed to using my writing to make a positive impact.
Some would wonder, why are you not yet married?
My focus has been on my career and personal growth, and I haven’t yet found the right person to share my life with. But I’m open to God’s best and whatever the future holds, and I’m enjoying the journey for now.
What do you make of the social media? Is it a curse or a blessing to the society?
Social media is a double-edged sword, simultaneously blessing and cursing our lives. It’s a powerful tool that can connect, educate, and inspire us, but also distract, deceive, and destroy us. Ultimately, whether social media is a blessing or a curse depends on our choices and how we use it. Social media has indeed made the world a global village, bridging geographical gaps and enabling instant connections. From the comfort of your own space, you can communicate with anyone, anywhere in the world, as long as they have access to social media. This has broken down borders and opened up new avenues for connection, collaboration, and community-building. Whether you’re in Nigeria or any other part of the world, social media has made it possible to engage with others across the globe without the need for physical travel. It has turned people into millionaires, and has also destroyed lives. It has equally given a voice to the voiceless, and amplified harmful rhetoric. It has connected people across the globe, and isolated individuals from reality. I can tell you that social media has provided a platform for creativity and self-expression, and has perpetuated plagiarism and copyright infringement, facilitated access to information and knowledge, and spread misinformation and disinformation. It has enabled social movements and activism, and exacerbated mental health issues. Social media has allowed for real-time news and updates, and social media has spread fake news and propaganda, enabled businesses to reach new customers, and has disrupted traditional industries and jobs. Finally, it has given people a sense of community and belonging, and created echo chambers and polarization. The way we use social media ultimately depends on our discipline and intentionality. By taking control of our social media use, we can harness its benefits and avoid its drawbacks. It’s a conscious choice that requires discipline, but it’s worth it to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks.
For example, when I first started writing, I realised that I needed to prioritize my focus and concentration. To do this, I had to temporarily put social media usage and activities on hold. There were times when I stayed off social media for extended periods, sometimes up to a month or three weeks, depending on the specific goals I was working towards and the amount of time it took to achieve them. During these periods of absence, some of my friends would reach out to me, wondering why they no longer saw me online. When I explained that I was taking a break from social media to focus on my personal growth and development, some of them didn’t understand. They would try to persuade me to come back online, saying that I was missing out on important conversations or events. Some even mocked me, suggesting that I was being too serious or too focused. But I remained committed to my goals. Today, the results speak for themselves. By taking control of my social media use and prioritizing my goals, I’ve been able to achieve success in my writing and personal development. Now, as my work requires me to be online and engage on social media, I’ve learned to strike a balance. I’ve designated a specific day each week as a “digital detox” day, where I stay offline and focus on other activities that nourish my mind, body, and soul. This balance has allowed me to maintain my productivity and creativity while also enjoying the benefits of social media. In conclusion, social media is a double-edged sword that can be both a blessing and a curse, depending on how it is utilized. Its impact is determined by our choices and intentions.
What is your advice to the youths?
My advice to young people is to be open-minded, embrace one’s individuality, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Don’t let societal expectations or pressures dictate your path. Instead, focus on discovering your passions, developing your skills, and building a support network. Remember, failure is an opportunity to learn and grow. Don’t be held back by fear or self-doubt. People would often make stereotypical assumptions about you, thinking you’re limited by your “situation”. They would assume you can’t achieve certain things. But wake up every morning with a mindset to break those negatives. Tell yourself you will prove them wrong, that you will achieve your goals and live a fulfilling life. Focus on your abilities, not your disabilities. Push past the doubts and stereotypes, and work hard to succeed. My message to them is to not let others define your potential. Believe in yourself, and you’ll be unstoppable.