Salami Afizlai Omowumi’s journey is one of determination and hope. Born in Bouaflé, Côte d’Ivoire, Salami lived a childhood filled with dreams until an unexpected challenge altered his life forever. At eight years old, while in grade three, he began feeling a strange, persistent pain in his left leg. That pain grew into months, then years, filled with hospital visits, treatments, and unanswered questions.
“We tried everything, hospitals, specialists, therapies, but no clear diagnosis ever came,” he recalls. “For more than two years, I was away from school. I watched my classmates learn, laugh, and grow, while I wrestled with uncertainty,” says Salami.
Returning to school in 2008 was both a victory and a challenge. Salami had to catch up academically while confronting pity and mockery from others. “It was a shock,” he says. “But instead of letting it break me, I made a promise to myself: I would catch up and succeed no matter what.”
Salami’s return to education became a defining moment. He poured himself into his studies, earning his Science Baccalaureate in 2017 and later a Higher National Diploma in Civil Engineering in 2019. Many warned him against pursuing such a physically demanding career, but he saw those doubts as fuel for his determination.
“The real disability is in the mind,” he says. “I chose to turn mine into a driving force.”
In 2020, Salami began working on construction sites, sometimes without formal employment, and helped his uncle sell phones to support himself. In February 2021, he secured an internship. Two years later, he was promoted to Technical Manager, proof that perseverance can shatter limits.
In September 2022, Salami’s journey took a transformative turn when he was accepted into the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Infrastructure Management and Services at the 2iE Institute.
“That opportunity changed everything,” he says. “It gave me the flexibility to work and study while deepening my skills. But it also reshaped how I saw my purpose.”
At 2iE, Salami served as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars representative, listening to peers, amplifying their voices, and creating opportunities for them. “Leadership is not about giving orders,” he reflects. “It’s about inspiring others and creating space for them to grow.”
Salami once considered surgery to correct his disability but then chose otherwise.
My leg is more than a limb, it is a living testimony of struggle, patience, and perseverance. When I speak to young people with disabilities, I want them to see proof that they can move forward without erasing their scars.
For Salami, disability is not a barrier; it is a catalyst for growth. “It may slow the pace, but it will never stop the journey.”
Today, Salami is a Civil Engineer and Technical Assistant to the Project Director in a role he began in July 2023. He works on major infrastructure projects that have a real impact on communities.
“My dream is to build my own construction company specializing in project management and Building Information Modelling (BIM), creating a platform to train and employ young people with and without disabilities,” he says. “I want to be part of Africa’s transformation, delivering projects on time, within budget, and with real impact.”
Beyond engineering, Salami is passionate about learning, innovation, and sharing stories of resilience. “I draw strength from my faith, my struggles, and my vision for the future,” he says. “Every scar can be a source of hope.”
For him, a good day is when he learns something new, takes a step forward toward his goals, and inspires someone else.
To young people with disabilities, Salami offers this: "Your voice matters. Your dreams are valid. You don’t have to erase your scars to succeed; they can become your greatest strength."
Salami Afizlai Omowumi is a civil engineer, resilient leader, and advocate for disability inclusion. As a Mastercard Foundation scholar, he is building a future where ability is defined by determination, vision, and courage, not by limits.
Kuvakala Thina
Amplifying voices, driving inclusion for impact and showcasing youth leadership who are shaping inclusive and sustainable futures.
