In a digital world often obsessed with perfection, some creators are redefining influence by embracing their uniqueness. From individuals living with polio to those with dwarfism, these content creators rise above criticism to share joy and creativity online. FAITH AJAYI spotlights resilient personalities breaking barriers, one video at a time

Victor Nwaogu

Victor Nwaogu, popularly known as “Nkubi” or “Small Stout”, is an actor, broadcaster, comedian, and content creator who has become a household name for his humour and confidence. Said to be about four feet tall, Nkubi is a little person but has refused to let it limit his dreams or define his talent.

He first gained attention as a radio presenter before transitioning into acting and skit-making. Over the years, he has featured in Nollywood movies, TV series, and comedy skits, working alongside some of Nigeria’s biggest entertainers, such as Broda Shaggi, Sola Sobowale, Tina Mba and Antar Laniyan. His unique blend of witty humour and charisma has made him the favourite of many on social media, where he boasts over one million followers on Facebook, and 200,000 followers on Instagram.

Nkubi often plays comical, exaggerated roles in skits, but beyond the laughter, his presence represents a powerful statement about inclusion and visibility. His journey shows that entertainment is not about physical appearance but about creativity, confidence, and hard work.

In 2021, his marriage to Vivian enjoyed torrents of goodwill, with fans praising his boldness and authenticity in love and life. To his followers, Nkubi is more than just a comic; he is an inspiration, proving that resilience, self-acceptance, and talent can open doors in spaces where stereotypes often thrive.

However, many have noted with dismay how the couple and their daughter, who is also little person have become the target of intense mockery and cyber bullying. In a recent post, Vivian revealed that one of her followers had “advised” her to kill the baby before she got too old.

Oluchi Okwenna

Oluchi Okwenna, popularly known as Queenideas, wears many hats—digital marketing consultant, content creator, social media strategist, lifestyle influencer, host of With Queenideas (formerly Queenideas Show), author, and motivational speaker. She lives with Muscular Dystrophy, a condition that weakens the muscles. According to her, she first noticed it at the age of 12 in boarding school when she began struggling to rise from a squatting or sitting position.

In a video released on YouTube in April 2022, Okwenna shared her story, recalling her first fall in 2007 and her decision after diagnosis not to focus on the condition but to live her life fully. She studied Computer Science at the University of Port Harcourt, graduating with a second-class upper degree.

She is also the CEO of Snapdragon Consulting Limited, a digital marketing and consulting company established in April 2015 in Anambra State. Over the years, Queenideas has built a vibrant online community of more than 400,000 followers across Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Okwenna has often said that her mission is to equip people living with disabilities and young women with digital marketing skills so that they can become self-sufficient while impacting the world positively. She is said to have helped over 200 SMEs increase visibility and sales through content creation and advertising services; and has trained more than 1,000 people in social media and digital marketing.

Queenideas constantly radiates positivity through her motivational videos, showing that disability is no barrier to success.

Ahmed Salami

Known online as Ahmed Lightning Playerz, Salami is a YouTuber living with autism, cerebral palsy, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). His journey to becoming an online sensation began in 2022 when videos of his YouTube sessions with his mother, Rafatu, went viral.

Ahmed learnt to speak at age six and struggled with a stutter. With his late mother’s help, he launched his YouTube channel in January 2022. Today, he has posted over 247 videos and built a subscriber base of 8.6K.

In a 2022 interview with The PUNCH, Rafatu revealed that Ahmed wasn’t born with his condition; it resulted from brain damage. She also shared how Ahmed was late in reaching childhood milestones like walking and talking. Determined to help him, she exposed him to US educational audio materials, which influenced his American accent.

Beyond vlogging, Ahmed enjoys watching wrestling. His channel continues to inspire many, carrying forward his mother’s vision.

Pelemo Nyajo

Twenty three-year-old Pelemo Nyajo is an advocate, writer, and artist living with polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, a rare chronic disease that weakens and deforms her bones. She has undergone eight surgeries and now relies on crutches for daily mobility.

Despite these challenges, Nyajo has become a powerful voice in advocacy and the creative sector. After receiving the devastating news that her condition had no cure, she began “deconstructing internalised ableism.” Connecting with other people living with disabilities transformed her perspective. “When I started to see my body as normal, I began to accept and even love myself,” she said.

Her initiative— “Movement Beyond Walls”— creates inclusive opportunities for both people with and without disabilities to connect through art and fun. In January 2024, she launched Disability with Pel on Instagram, a growing platform dedicated to normalising disability conversations in Nigeria.

Her leadership journey includes participating in the Commonwealth Disabled People Forum Youth Leadership Training and attending the Inclusive Africa Conference 2025. Nyajo believes her voice matters because “my disability helps me see and understand things in a deeper way.”

Arewa

Arewa’s story was shared by her mother in a 2024 post. She explained that Arewa wasn’t born with her disability; it began after a high fever at 16 months. Although some speculated an injection caused it, her mother clarified that no injection was administered at the hospital. Despite medical care, Arewa eventually lost the ability to sit and walk properly.

Doctors recommended physiotherapy, but surgery was ruled out. From then, her physical challenges began. Even so, Arewa chose not to let her condition define her. Today, she creates engaging and uplifting TikTok content, showing that joy and creativity can thrive regardless of physical limitations.

Christopher Oko (Baxticon)

Together with his wife and daughter, Christopher Oko, who is a little person, forms the heart of the Baxticon family. Their content revolves around lifestyle, family bonding, and everyday activities.

Their daughter, Chef Alisha, who is also little person is often the “star”, cooking entire meals without supervision and charming viewers. While the family occasionally faces harsh comments about their appearances, they continue to share their lives with joy and resilience, earning a loyal and supportive fan base.

De Skeleton

Favour Simon, known as De Skeleton or Avatar Skeleton, is instantly recognisable for his thin frame and striking physical appearance. Though often misunderstood, his content focuses on comedy—dancing, skits, and exaggerated facial expressions that bring laughter to his audience. His unique look has turned into his brand, attracting thousands of loyal viewers.

Ade Joe

Ade Joe is more than just a TikTok star; he’s also a budding musician with three singles and a flair for fashion. His videos combine music, dance and style, with occasional promotions of his work as a project manager.

Despite facing online trolls and negative comments, Joe remains consistent. He exudes happiness in every video, proving that authenticity and resilience win over hate.

Ayobami Samuel (Bammikingdom)

With over one million followers on TikTok, Ayobami Samuel—better known as Bammikingdom—is one of the most popular personalities in his niche. As he revealed in a video, he wasn’t born with his current appearance; complications from an antenatal injection altered his physical form.

Raised at the Rehabilitation Centre for the Disabled in Ibadan, Oyo State, Ayobami recently graduated from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, with a degree in Accountancy. His platform is filled with motivational messages and short videos that inspire his large following.

Beyond TikTok, Ayobami has stepped into Nollywood, debuting in the movie ‘Ala Kan’. His story is one of triumph, showing how resilience and talent can turn challenges into influence.

 

The Punch