As I reflectively pen down this message, every word is thoughtfully chosen to celebrate the life and legacy of an extraordinary woman, Mrs. Ajoke Alonge. She is more than an icon; she is a beacon of hope, a pillar of strength, and a voice for the voiceless.

Our paths first crossed in 2022 during my internship at the Medical Social Service Department of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, where she served as a Chief Medical Social Worker. From the very first moment, it was evident that she was no ordinary individual. She is a social worker par excellence, a talented songwriter, a Ford Foundation Fellow, a television personality, and a relentless advocate for the rights of persons living with disabilities. Her contributions to the field of social justice and disability advocacy in Nigeria are truly unmatched.

Despite the personal challenge of living with a physical disability, she defied all odds and pursued her academic journey with remarkable determination. She earned degrees in both Special Education and Social Work, studying in Nigeria and the United States. Her story is one of triumph over adversity, and she stands as living proof that there is indeed ability in every disability.

As my supervisor, she left a profound impact on me and many others. Her mentorship was transformative. She exuded a calm strength, a gentle confidence, and an unwavering respect for her students. Her teaching approach—an enriching blend of class discussion and practical clinical experience—offered room to explore, ask questions, and engage critically. Her guidance turned my clinical experience into a life-changing journey.

Her resilience and tenacity continue to inspire me and countless others. Rather than allowing her condition to define or limit her, she used it as a platform to champion change.

Her book, under publication by the New York Publishers, Breaking Barriers, is a powerful testament to this journey. It gives voice to the pain, perseverance, and power of individuals living with disabilities. The book sheds light on the systemic neglect they face, the emotional and social toll of exclusion, and the strength it takes to rise above it all.

She is also the visionary founder of the JokeAlonge Disability Rights & Empowerment Foundation (JADREF)—an NGO committed to providing educational support to girls with disabilities in secondary schools across Ibadan. This initiative was born out of her struggle: after the onset of her disability, she was unable to return to school for four years due to systemic barriers. JADREF was established to ensure that no child in a similar situation is left behind, delayed, or denied access to education due to their physical condition.

Today, JADREF continues to advocate for inclusion and high school enrollment for children living with disabilities. The foundation seeks financial support and partnerships from individuals, corporate bodies, and institutions—those who have the means and the heart—to support those who do not. Every contribution goes toward providing financial aid, mobility devices, and academic support for indigent students with disabilities who have the dreams and the drive, but lack the resources.

As we celebrate Mrs. Ajoke Alonge’s birthday, we are not just honoring her life—we are celebrating a movement. A movement of empowerment, resilience, inclusion, and boundless possibility. Her life is a testimony to the strength of the human spirit, and her legacy is a call to action.

May her story continue to ignite change, her voice continues to echo in places where silence has long prevailed, and may her birthday, on Monday July 21, serve as a reminder that one woman’s courage can break barriers for generations to come. Happy birthday, Ma. You are a living legend, and we salute you.

• Anyebe, a Social Worker is Founder of The Concern Home Social & Charitable Initiative.