‘I don’t have arms, but I don’t need a hand from anyone’

After exchanging compliments, young Ya’u started to remove his red kaftan, using his teeth, to reveal his limbless body. The he delved into his breast pocket – again with the aid of his teeth – and fished out a rugged-looking cellphone and then asked this reporter for his mobile number.   Without delay, Ya’u dialled […]

After exchanging compliments, young Ya’u started to remove his red kaftan, using his teeth, to reveal his limbless body. The he delved into his breast pocket – again with the aid of his teeth – and fished out a rugged-looking cellphone and then asked this reporter for his mobile number.

  Without delay, Ya’u dialled the number and this reporter’s phone rang. Ya’u then flipped the phone between his toes, tossing it up. As the phone reached shoulder level, he swiftly moved and clipped it between his shoulder and temple and began to speak. It was an amazing sight.  

Ya’u, 20, has uncommon ability to manipulate his toes the way one would do his fingers. Being born without hands, young Ya’u mastered ways to do many things using his legs and teeth.   

The young man’s ability to write with his foot was also displayed. Demonstrating how he writes in school, Ya’u demanded for a paper and a pen and then wrote without a trace of poor penmanship.

Apart from that, Ya’u claimed that he draws water from a well and takes it home. He said the only area he needs assistance was in placing the bucket on his head. “People usually doubt my ability to carry a bucket of  water on my head. They only believe me when they see it,” he smiled.

Born in Kwanar Jaba area in Kano State, Ya’u began his primary education in Kano, and later moved to Katsina for his junior secondary school education. In both Western and Qur’anic classes, his performance is as excellent as his writing.

 According to him, he is also a shoemaker, as he made the shoes he is wearing. Ya’u, who wants to study Political Science, also sells fabrics in the market in order to make ends meet. “I detest begging. If I’m offered a scholarship, I will study up to university level,” he said.