By Tgnews Reporter, Kaduna
In a moving tribute that has inspiring, Mr. Tom Garba, publisher and managing director of Tgnews, has penned a heartfelt appreciation for his long-time friend and “covenant brother,” Mr. Shenum Leo Dodo, describing him as an “attitude of resilience” who triumphed over profound physical challenges to become a successful academic.
Garba recounted their reunion after 24 years, highlighting Dodo’s extraordinary journey from a deformed individual with non-functional legs in Zubzuru, Kwoi, to a PhD holder and senior lecturer at Kaduna Polytechnic, where he now serves with grace and passion for serving God.
Garba first met Dodo 24 years ago through a mutual acquaintance, Sister Abu (now Meekness), who introduced him to Favour—whose untimely passing still pains Garba. At the time, Dodo’s modest home was a hub of inspiration.
Despite his disability, Dodo never resorted to begging; instead, he harnessed his inner strength, working industriously with his hands to feed not only his family but also friends, relations, and less privileged individuals, including Garba and his peers during their school days.
”He uses his hands to feed not only his family members, friends, and relations too,” Garba noted, calling Dodo a “gift to my life” and a profound motivation.
”We don’t have a reason not to succeed; if Leo, as a physically challenged person, can, I don’t have a reason not to,” Garba reflected, emphasizing Dodo’s unyielding determination that defeated the “power of physical challenge.”
Their recent reconnection filled Garba with boundless joy, witnessing Dodo’s elevated status at the premier institution, where he continues to embody hard work and faith. Dodo’s story underscores the power of perseverance, serving as a testament that barriers can be overcome with resilience and divine grace, motivating Nigerians to pursue their goals undeterred.
