Rising above Challenge: Wheels of Hope: Benin’s upholsterer who refused to be defined by disability

The inspiring story of Solomon Umudi, popularly known as Golden Boy, proves the adage that there is truly ability in disability. A master upholsterer in Benin City, Solomon’s journey from begging on the streets to building a thriving business showcases resilience, skill, and determination. Though born healthy, a childhood immunization caused complications that left Solomon […]

The inspiring story of Solomon Umudi, popularly known as Golden Boy, proves the adage that there is truly ability in disability. A master upholsterer in Benin City, Solomon’s journey from begging on the streets to building a thriving business showcases resilience, skill, and determination.

Though born healthy, a childhood immunization caused complications that left Solomon physically disabled. Today, at his workshop on Obakhavbaye Street in Ogogugbo, Benin City, he is often mistaken for someone seeking alms, until you see his hands at work – transforming car interiors into sleek, luxurious spaces.

 

From street beggar to skilled craftsman

Now 48 years old, Solomon has been in the upholstery trade for over 25 years. He has earned a reputation for top-quality craftsmanship and exceptional attention to detail. But his path to mastery wasn’t easy.

“I once begged on the streets of Benin just to save enough to achieve my dream of becoming an upholsterer,” he told Weekend Trust. Hailing from a humble background in Delta State, Solomon refused to let his disability define his destiny.

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“I don’t see myself as disabled. Whatever an able-bodied person can do, I believe I can do it too. That’s what I always tell young people, especially those with disabilities. There is ability in disability if you stay focused on your goals.”

After completing secondary school in the late 1980s, Solomon knew he wouldn’t be able to continue to tertiary education due to financial constraints. Instead, he chose to pursue a vocation he had always admired – upholstery.

“I had a passion for the trade even while I was still in school. I wanted to create something beautiful with my hands and not depend on others for survival.”

He trained under a physically challenged master upholsterer who supported and encouraged him. After his apprenticeship, Solomon traveled to the East (of Nigeria) to refine his techniques and set himself apart.

“Whatever I do, I aim for perfection. That way, clients have no reason to complain,” he said. This commitment to excellence has brought him steady referrals and loyal customers over the years.

Solomon’s apprenticeship was full of hardship. Transporting himself to the workshop daily was a challenge.

“I couldn’t afford transportation, so I wheeled myself to the shop every day. The journey took up to an hour, but I made sure to leave by 6.30am so I’d be there on time.”

He remembers those days vividly—not just the physical exertion but the skepticism and judgment from others who doubted his capabilities.

After completing his apprenticeship in 2001, Solomon opened his workshop with ₦30,000—money he raised through begging and support from friends and church members.

“With that amount, I bought my first machine and started small. Today, I have all the equipment I need to work effectively.”

At a point in his life, Solomon begged not just to survive, but to build something greater. “I don’t condemn those who beg. But if you must, let it be for a purpose. I had a goal, and once I achieved it, I stopped.”

 

Choosing family over foreign opportunities

While many of his friends have moved abroad, Solomon has stayed. “Three companies in Dubai and Spain offered me jobs. But I have a wife and six children. I want to be present to guide them.”

Two of his children are in the university, while the others are in primary and secondary schools. “I make sure each of them learns a skill. One is a stylist, another is a fashion designer, and one is learning upholstery with me.”

Solomon has six apprentices and employs three staff members. Remarkably, he trains all his apprentices for free.

“My late master didn’t charge me, so I do the same to honour his legacy and encourage the youth.”

Despite the current economic hardship, Solomon says he earns an average of ₦200,000 monthly and has used his earnings to build a house, buy a car, and support his children’s education.

However, challenges persist. “The biggest issue is electricity. Our machines need constant power. For three months now, we haven’t had light, and running a generator is too expensive.”

He considered solar energy but found that even a ₦3 million system couldn’t power his machines. Access to loans and grants is another barrier.

“Nigeria isn’t a friendly place for small businesses. That’s why many youths are relocating abroad,” he said.

 

A master with a heart

Solomon’s employees speak highly of him. Dadison Innocent, a 24-year-old from Akwa Ibom, joined the workshop after his apprenticeship due to financial constraints.

“He tested me and took me in without a guarantor. He even buys food for me when I’m hungry. I’ve learned more here than I did during my training.”

Another apprentice, Saminu Abdulgafar from Osun State, has spent over three years learning from Solomon.

“He treats us like family. He teaches us independence, contentment, and integrity. He even gives us money so we don’t have to steal or go hungry. And he trains us for free.”

Despite the struggles, Solomon remains optimistic.

“I don’t regret anything. I may not have legs like others, but I have skills. That’s enough.”

He appeals to the government to create a more supportive environment for small businesses.

“If there were steady power, easier access to loans, and proper grants, Nigerian youth wouldn’t feel the need to ‘japa’.”

Solomon Umudi’s story is one of grit and grace, a reminder that with determination, even a wheelchair can become a chariot to success.