Meet Niger’s amazing ‘armless’ tattoo artist who lives on her feet

Sheidatu Abubakar, born without arms, in Lapai, Niger State, does not in any way look her age. At 20, she looks like a teenager, but that is before one engages her in conversation about life. She was 15 when Daily Trust first encountered her in 2012, then a Senior Secondary School II student of Government […]

Sheidatu Abubakar, born without arms, in Lapai, Niger State, does not in any way look her age. At 20, she looks like a teenager, but that is before one engages her in conversation about life. She was 15 when Daily Trust first encountered her in 2012, then a Senior Secondary School II student of Government Day Secondary School, Lapai. She has since concluded that tier of education in 2014, but is still far from realizing her ambition of studying Fine Arts at a university.

Though she did not do well in her Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination, for her that was a temporary setback. “I will retake and retake until I can obtain the required credits,” she resolved  with a smile.
However, the humour was replaced by a sad countenance when Daily Trust sought to know what other regrets she had since our last encounter. “The death of my father,” she whispered as tears welled. She narrated how her late father, Malam Abubakar R. Deji ran into a wheelbarrow with his motorcycle in May 2013, while negotiating a bend and sustained internal injuries which killed him three days later.
She said the demise of her father, a photo journalist with the information unit of Lapai Local Government Area had affected the family considerably.
With that unfortunate incident, 40-year-old Fatima Umar, a primary teacher had to take on the general upkeep of a physically-challenged Sheidatu and four other children. It was a herculean task, especially with a meager salary and all the kids in school.
“It has been quite difficult,” she agreed, even with the occasional intervention from her husband’s younger brother, Malam Aliyu Ramat Liman, who is also weighed down by his own challenge, 13 children to feed and see through school.
The situation is compounded by the fact that the family could not access the deceased’s benefits more than three years after his demise. Malam Liman said the family is still battling to get Apt Pension, his Pension Fund Administrator to do so.
However, as the family waits on the pension administrator, it appears Sheidatu is really no-one’s burden. If anything, she has been a blessing to the entire family. Daily Trust learnt that her positive effect has also come to affect Lapai town, her birth place. She has become a news personality and a celebrity of sorts, because of her ingenuity andspecial talent.
On such visits, her special ability in designing and drawing will always be put to the test through demonstration. And an excited and eager Sheidatu will pick the pen between her toes and stretch her leg to the pad and begin to draw from a sitting position. And like always, a pattern will begin to emerge.
Malam Aliyu, her uncle and Tijani Balarabe,  a neighbour, were unanimous that the 20-year-old has brought fame to the family and town. This gift earned Sheidatua recognition in 2015 when the National Gallery of Arts (NGA), invited her to attend its 6thNational Visual Arts competition with the theme “National Security and Steady Power Supply: Roadmap to National Development.” She did not only get the NGA’s plaque for her efforts, but also a special mention as a “gifted artist”.  “The National Gallery of Art recognizes this ability and supports all endeavours that unleash the creative potentials of Nigerians,” the body said in the special mention.
As she looks forward to the NGA’s support and awaits promises made during the event, she is paying her bills through intricately beautiful henna tattoos, especially during Sallah festivities and weddings. Media exposure is also drawing public spirited individuals to her door steps. “One Alhaji from Kano bought a Toyota car for her recently,” her mother exclaimed enthusiastically. The car is used for commercial purposes following the advice of the donor, ow bringing returns daily to her.
Sheidatu hopes to open a provision store soon, from which she can pursue her dream of pursuing a visual arts degree. She hopes before then, a bigger opportunity for prosthetic limbs will come her way, so she doesn’t have to paint, write, eat and even do household shores with her feet.