This is a heartfelt story shared by Marvin Selassie on his journey with Radia Nuhu, a person with special needs. In a social Media post, he wrote;
"Three years ago, while I was in my post-diploma third year at the University for Development Studies (UDS), I met a young woman who would change the course of my life. Her name is Radia Nuhu. It was our departmental president at the time, Nana Yaw Obeng Boateng, who first introduced us. One afternoon, he called and asked me to meet him, and when he arrived at my hostel, he came along with Radia, a newly admitted first-year student. Knowing my passion for volunteering and development causes, he requested that I serve as her mentor since she was pursuing the same program. That was the beginning of a journey that has shaped both of us in profound ways.
During our very first conversation, I asked Radia what she expected from me as a mentor. She was clear and direct in her response, mentioning that she needed academic support, guidance in public advocacy for persons with disabilities, help to start her own foundation, networking opportunities to enhance her growth, and any academic or financial aid that could complement what her family was already providing. I decided in my heart that I would commit to this new responsibility, even as I balanced my own academic work and the part-time jobs I did to sustain myself.
Looking back now, as I complete my national service, I am grateful to say that through God’s grace, the support of senior mentors, friends, donors, and her family, we have been able to achieve all the goals we set together. One of our biggest milestones was registering her dream organization, the Naglogu Care Foundation. With the kind support of Hajia Alima Sagito, I accompanied Radia to the Registrar General’s Department, where the foundation was officially recognized as a non-profit. Earlier this year, the foundation held its first major outreach program, a disability awareness campaign in Cheshe, which was made possible by generous donors and a dedicated team of volunteers.
Over the years, Radia and I have also worked together on public advocacy through various radio and television programs. We have been privileged to educate the public on disability inclusion and the role of society in supporting persons with special needs. Special mention goes to Prince Hamdan, who first hosted Radia on his podcast and voluntarily helped to raise funds for her education. We are equally grateful to the many media houses that gave us free airtime to advance our cause.
Beyond advocacy, I also made it a point to connect Radia with opportunities that could broaden her horizon and give her exposure. Through my networks, she was able to participate in a research program organized by Google UK, thanks to my friend Inocki Popo. Through another close friend, Gaskia Mohammed, she was introduced to a Danish researcher who was working on projects involving persons with special needs. These experiences provided her with insights and networks that enriched her journey both academically and personally.
Our fundraising efforts also made a tangible difference. With the support we received through advocacy and awareness campaigns, Radia’s education was supported, and in some cases, we were able to extend assistance to other persons with disabilities as well. It was heartwarming to see how communities and individuals responded positively to her story and our shared commitment.
As I reflect on these three years, I am filled with gratitude. I thank Radia’s family for trusting me and embracing me as a brother. I am equally thankful to all the mentors, supporters, and friends who stood by us along the way. Many people often ask if I ever got paid for being her mentor. The truth is that I accepted this responsibility voluntarily, and I have never taken anything that was meant for her, not even once. What I have gained instead is far greater than money: the joy of seeing Radia grow, the fulfillment of serving others, and the blessing of being part of a journey that is bigger than myself.
This story is not just about Radia alone, nor is it about me alone. It is about what can happen when people choose to support, mentor, and uplift one another. It is about faith, resilience, and the power of community. As I close this chapter and look toward the future, I am reminded that this is only the beginning. God bless us all."
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