Sixty-year-old Peniasi Dobui is living his best life yet, despite his disability.

He lost both his legs in an accident when he was just 25 years old and not only has he learned to handle life without legs, but he has also managed to provide for his family for years.

The Nasigatoka villager in Rewa surrounds himself with the love and support of his wife Vasemaca Dobui from Lomanikoro village also in Rewa and their daughter Keresi Gabriel Dobui and he believes that their endless sacrifices are enough motivation to keep him going.

“It was in 1990 and I had just returned from Lebanon and was on my two-week leave. A brother of mine asked that I accompany him to work in a factory in Lami while awaiting to return to the military camp. It was on that fateful first day of work that I encountered the mishap,” said the ex-serviceman.

“Looking back now, I realise that I have been living without my pair of legs for 34 years and I am thankful that the Lord spared my life and gave me another chance to live life once again and be a living testimony so that others living with disability are encouraged to stay strong and forge on,” he smiled.

Following the accident, he felt the simplest tasks such as getting out of bed and going to the washroom too impossible.

However, he was determined to move around freely once more with the help of a Japanese expert at the Tamavua hospital where he was admitted for three years during his recovery phase.

When he returned to the village and adjusted to his new lifestyle he weighed out options and thought of what to do to survive.

“In 1995 I started farming as I knew that I could provide food for my family. I took a knife and started preparing a small plot and started planting dalo,” he said.

“I knew I could not be sitting around doing nothing and I cannot burden and depend on others for my survival. I was an independent person from the start and was not going to let my disability change that,” added Peniasi.

He admitted that he did struggle in the beginning when he started farming as he had to learn to manoeuvre his way around the land.

“With the uncertainty of my situation, my experience has never been a bed of roses and I trained myself not to be disheartened, not to give up as there is always a silver lining at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

Farming became his daily dose of happiness, expanding and harvesting year in and year out. His relatives in the village as well as neighbouring villages have been placing their orders during harvesting period and most times, he also transports his bundles of dalo to the Nasali Landing where it is often sold out.

Peniasi’s farm is a testament to his unwavering spirit and ingenuity.

His fields flourish with dalo, watermelon, and vegetables, cultivated with methods tailored to his unique needs. His successful farming venture has provided not only for his family’s needs but has also allowed him to achieve milestones like building a canteen and purchasing a car. His story stands as a powerful example of how perseverance and creativity can turn seemingly insurmountable obstacles into opportunities for growth and success.

Peniasi is now using innovative farming methods such as the weed control maze for his dalo and a nursery for his vegetables to suit his condition.

“In March this year, I upgraded my farming method with the help of my brother residing overseas who sent materials for the nursery and the weed mat,” he said.

“It has helped in the control of weed, reduced labour, and the contraction of diseases associated with water and farming.”

With the continuous farm help and support of relatives namely, Emoni Toalevu and Maikali Rasuaki, the farm is filled with dalo, watermelon, and assorted vegetables.

Peniasi is not only a farmer but also a fisherman, a carpenter, and an automobile driver.

“There are others around us who are without legs or hands but have hidden talents. My advice is that if you push yourself to break barriers you will achieve great things. Do not think you are helpless or be ashamed of your situation because I am confident in saying that you can still achieve and do a lot if you put your heart and mind to it,” he smiled.

“And to those that have both legs and hands and are roaming in towns and cities, I urge you to return home and make use of the land. Loitering in the urban centres will one day get you into trouble, so please return to your villages and utilise the land,” he urged.

“I am grateful for the love and support that I receive from my wife and daughter, my family members, my neighbours and friends, and those who helped me become independent 34 years ago.”

The determined man plans to expand his farm and plant other dalo varieties and assorted vegetables in addition to the current tomatoes, cabbages, eggplants, and watermelon.

Agriculture Assistant (Rewa), Sowinden Tekairaba said the Ministry recognizes and develops farmers with special abilities.

“Peniasi is a hard-working farmer and his farming expedition is an inspiration to other farmers to develop in addition, there is assistance available in the Ministry for people with special abilities and the Rewa office will be visiting him and assisting him in the next financial year to help elevate his plans.”

To date, the determined Peniasi has planted a total of 1,700 dalo (3 months) with an additional 3,000, he has also planted 200 tomato plants and is planning to cultivate another 600 on his one-acre piece of land.

As he looks to the future, Peniasi remains focused on expanding his farm and continuing to innovate. His journey is a profound reminder that true success is not measured by the absence of challenges but by the ability to rise above them and make a difference in the world.

In celebrating his achievements, we honour not just his personal triumphs but the broader lesson he imparts: that with grit, resourcefulness, and a supportive community, one can transform adversity into a path to success and inspire others to do the same.

-ENDS-

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