A BRIEF ON DR. DAVID MATTHEW

Born into the Christian family of Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Sule Okpe at Ojuwo Igavillage of Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi state in Nigeria on the 1st of October, 1960, David was declared blind in 1968 at the Guiness Eye Clinic of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Kaduna, Nigeria. In April of 1970 he joined the School for Blind Children.

Between 1975 and 1980, he had his secondary school education at Panyam, Plateau State, Nigeria. Remarkably, during this time he was made a school prefect in '79 and was prominent amongst the student evangelism team to villages. He was also Choirmaster for three years despite his challenges.

In 1982, David bagged a National Diploma in Special Education from the Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna and got a job thereafter was integrated teacher at the Nakam Memorial Secondary School, Panyam, where he founded both the Staff Braille Club and the Recording Club for the Blind.

A year later, he returned to the Kaduna Polytechnic in pursuit of a Post Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation - a program he graduated from in 1985 honorably.

In October, 1985, David started a unit for the teaching of blind children at Christian in Many Lands (CMML)  Special school, Iyale in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State and on the 4th of August, 1986 he became the Principal of the School till date running a joint primary-secondary school programme leading to the award of Senior School Certificate.

Besides Special Education and Rehabilitation Certificates, David has trained and holds a Masters in Public Administration, B. A and Maters in Religious Education as well as a Doctorate (PhD) in Religious Eductaion.

Happily married to Deborah and blessed with a son Ilemona John born on the 27th of May 1999, David is a founding member of Christian Rural and Urban Development Association of Nigeria (CRUDAN), a founding member and President of the Nigeria National Federation of the Blind Incorporated, founding member and President of Alimo Prison Ministries, Founder and Proprietor of John Abah Memorial Special School, Ojuwo Iga.

David also serves as the Chairman of the Joint National association of Persons with Disabilities, Kogi State Chapter and has served as Chairman, Board of Directors of Iyale Community Bank which has now metamorphosed into Micro Finance Bank.