Lagos — HE IS an exception of some sort: intelligent, resilient and determined to succeed. This determination has somewhat pull him through the most excruciating moments of life, as he trudges on, focusing only on his vision and ambition, which he believes would change the poverty of his youth and others like him. He seems to be winning the titanic war he embarked alone as he is fast inching towards becoming an advocate for educating and rehabilitating the less privileged.

Polio survivor, Kexter Donald Jnr stands on the doorway of history as the 40-year-old from Edo State has been able to make it through from the crushes of the blight. He is currently at the verge of setting up a rehabilitation centre for polio survivors across the country. He is creating awareness of the existence of poliomyelitis in some parts of Nigeria, as well as helping in eradicating polio from the country, habilitate and rehabilitate the existing survivors, who, according to him, have been isolated and marginalised over the years.

But, how would the money for the gigantic project come? He says, "I would try to reach out to concerned Nigerians and possibly raise funds. People, who may believe in the course, may also donate not only money but materials. For instance, the Lagos State government may decide to help out by given us land where the center will be located and others could take up responsibilities for different kinds of facility that they could sponsor. Other state governments and the federal have a space here too if they believe in it," he further said.

Donald Jnr is not a person to let adversity get in the way of living a full life, even as he battled the effects of a childhood bout with polio. He turned his energy, even when limited by health problems, to helping others facing similar challenges.

He is currently busy organising seminars to bring attention and needed information as well as the effect of post-polio syndrome (PPS), to survivors of poliomyelitis. The seminar sections also address the problem of re-ocurrence of symptoms such as breathing troubles, muscle weakness and fatigue in some polio survivors.

He is the President and founder of the Welfare Centre for Survivors of Poliomyelitis (WELCENSUP), a Nigerian-based non-governmental organisation (NGO). It was established primarily to support all survivors of poliomyelitis in the country and to help them achieve their potentials, build their self-confidence and enhance their community involvement.

The Business Administration graduate of Auchi Polytechnic has a radiant personality, which remains a unique trait and a trade mark. He has so much on his own salver, considering his level of inquisitiveness in his effort to know more and possibly do more for others in his mould. It is doubtful if there are better compassionate souls, who held greater empathy for others in their heart than Donald. He is, indeed, according to informed minds, a rare gem that need to be supported and encourage by the government.

"He is determined to live his life without being restricted as much as possible by having polio. His dreams and aspirations have always been to live his life as fully as possible and to have the same for other people with polio," says his childhood friend, who simply identifies himself as Jituboh, a pharmacist and an active member of WELCENSUP Board of Trustees (BOT).

Jituboh is not alone on this path. Many others, especially in the entertainment world, business and politics have equally testified to this milk heart. For instance, Ngozi Ezeonu, a Nollywood star actress, Paul Julius, music producer, with other celebrities like Cynthia Agholar and Benedict Johnson have not only spoken well of him but has endorsed his pet project and have been dynamic in seeing it blossom.

WELCENSUP has also concluded plans to lunch its newsletter to increase awareness of the post-polio syndrome in Nigeria. There are concerted efforts also to reach out to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to explore ways he could collaborate with the international agency.

Donald Jnr informed further, "WELCENSUP will organise a symposium to educate the public and the medical community about post-polio syndrome, while featuring doctors from virtually all reputable hospitals in the country.

"I earnestly want other polio survivors to get better medical care and I believe the way to do it is by getting doctors educated and patients as well because a lot of people and doctors do not seem to know much about post-polio syndrome at the moment," he affirms.

Even as he limps with his left leg muscle that is weakened, Donald would not give in to his condition. He always liked going out on walks, whatever level of muscular function required for that. He is of the opinion that when not in full use, he might lose it.

He is an energetic, warm, caring person with a lot of enthusiasm for life and getting everything out of it. His efforts have started yielding the needed result by attracting media attention. The government, according to some, only needs to key into his project by encouraging him to succeed in this venture.

He does not believe in what he will benefit from the Nigeria society, rather, what he will contribute to make the Nigeria society better.

What could be more re-branding than this?