At just 22, Chineye Okeke has walked a path few can truly understand, a life shaped by struggle, yet coloured with an unyielding spirit of resilience. Born with cerebral palsy, a neurological condition that affects movement and muscle control, she has, through dancing, defied the odds. In this conversation with TEMITOPE ADETUNJI, Chineye opens up about her journey, battles, victories, and the message of hope she wants the world to remember
Can you share with us what it was like growing up with cerebral palsy?
My name is Chineye Okeke. I’m 22 years old and from Anambra State. I was born with cerebral palsy, which affects mainly the right side of my body—my hand and leg. That side is stiffer and doesn’t move as freely as the left, so everyday activities like writing quickly, carrying things, or even walking at the same pace as others require extra effort.
Growing up with it was challenging but also, in some ways, empowering. As a child, I didn’t fully understand what it meant; I only knew that I moved differently. Simple things like making friends, speaking in public, or joining games at school sometimes left me feeling excluded. Some children didn’t understand why I walked the way I did or why I used one hand more than the other, and that made me self-conscious.
But over time, I learned patience with myself. My condition forced me to find creative ways to do things, sometimes slower, but still successfully. It gave me resilience because I had to develop a strong spirit to face situations where people underestimated me.
So while growing up with cerebral palsy was difficult, it shaped me into someone who sees strength in challenges and possibility in limitations.
Tell us a bit about your family. Did they influence how you coped?
I’m the lastborn in a family of six, with three older siblings. My parents never made me feel different, and that gave me so much strength. My siblings were also very supportive; they encouraged and made me feel included.
Honestly, my family’s love has been my strongest foundation. They constantly reminded me that I could achieve whatever I set my mind to, and that belief shaped how I see myself today.
You mentioned being bullied in school. What was that experience like?
It was very painful. Because of my hand, people saw me as different. They mocked me and called me cruel names like “one-armed girl,” “imbecile,” or “drag-away.” Hearing those words as a young girl cut deeply.
At first, I cried a lot, wondering why people would say such things. But as I grew older, I decided not to let their words define me. With time, I began to care less about what they said.
Can you walk us through your educational journey?
I completed secondary school, despite all the challenges, and today I’m in university. I’m currently in my final year, studying Political Science at Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.
What inspired you to start dancing and sharing your videos online?
Dancing has always been part of me. Even during physiotherapy sessions, I found joy in moving my body. Dancing gives me freedom and happiness, despite my condition. Sharing my videos online was my way of showing the world that I can still express myself and inspire others. People often assume I can’t move well, but my dancing challenges that stereotype. It has built my confidence and brought me joy.
What message would you like to share with young people living with cerebral palsy?
My message is simple: never allow your diagnosis to define your destiny. Cerebral palsy may shape some of your experiences, but it does not take away your ability to dream, to work hard, and to achieve meaningful things. There will be people who underestimate or mock you, but their voices are not the truth of who you are.
Your life is valid, beautiful, and worthy of celebration. Focus on what you can do, not only on what is difficult. Surround yourself with people who believe in you. You are not less than anyone; you are enough, exactly as you are.
