Sixty-year-old Peniasi Dobui is leading a fulfilling life despite his disability. After losing both legs in an accident at the age of 25, he has not only adapted to life without them but has also supported his family for many years. The resident of Nasigatoka in Rewa is surrounded by the love of his wife, Vasemaca Dobui, from nearby Lomanikoro village, and their daughter, Keresi Gabriel Dobui.
Peniasi recalls the tragic day in 1990 when his life changed forever. He had just returned from serving in Lebanon and was on leave when he accepted his brother’s invitation to work at a factory in Lami. Unfortunately, it was there that he suffered the accident. “Looking back now, I realize I have lived without my legs for 34 years and am thankful that the Lord spared my life,” he said. He sees himself as a living testimony and a source of inspiration for others facing similar challenges.
Following his accident, everyday tasks became daunting. However, with the support of a Japanese specialist during his three-year hospitalization at Tamavua hospital, he gradually recovered. Once back in his village, he realized he needed to support his family and began farming in 1995, starting with a small plot to plant dalo.
Determined not to be dependent on others, Peniasi embraced his independence and faced the challenges of farming. “I trained myself not to be disheartened and to believe that there is always a silver lining,” he shared. Peniasi’s hard work has paid off; he has expanded his farm, which yields dalo, watermelons, and various vegetables.
His produce is highly sought after by relatives and neighbors, and he often sells it at Nasali Landing. His successful farming has enabled him to provide for his family and achieve significant milestones, such as building a canteen and purchasing a car.
Recently, he has adopted innovative farming techniques like using a weed control maze for dalo and establishing a vegetable nursery. With assistance from his brother overseas, he upgraded his farming methods, reducing labor and improving crop health.
Peniasi is not just a farmer; he is also skilled in fishing, carpentry, and driving. He encourages others with disabilities to push beyond their limitations, stating, “You can still achieve great things if you put your heart and mind to it.”
He urges those able-bodied individuals loitering in urban areas to return to their villages and utilize the land for their benefit. “I am grateful for the support from my family and friends, which has helped me become independent these 34 years,” he added.
Looking ahead, Peniasi plans to expand his farm to include more varieties of dalo and vegetables, aiming to cultivate tomatoes, cabbages, eggplants, and more. Agriculture Assistant for Rewa, Sowinden Tekairaba, acknowledged Peniasi’s hard work, stating the ministry is ready to support farmers with special abilities and will assist him in the upcoming financial year.
Currently, Peniasi has planted 1,700 dalo and has plans to add 600 more tomato plants. His journey underscores the message that real success is not about avoiding challenges but about overcoming them and making a positive impact on the world. Peniasi’s story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how resilience, creativity, and community support can transform adversity into opportunities for growth and success.