Umar Yakubu’s story didn’t begin with a breakthrough—it began with a quiet loss.
At 26, the young barber from Tema had built his life around his craft. But when an unexpected electrical fault shut down his barbershop, everything changed.
The steady hum of clippers, the joy of shaping fresh cuts—gone. It wasn’t his fault, but it shook the foundation of his everyday world.
Still, life had other plans.
Umar soon found his way to Agrokings Rice Farm, becoming one of the first persons with disabilities (PWDs) to join the team under the Harnessing Agricultural Productivity and Prosperity for Youth (HAPPY) Program.
From day one, he stood out—not just for his reliability and punctuality, but for the quiet strength and focus he brought to his work.
In the warehouse, Umar handled record-keeping tasks with diligence and purpose, earning a steady income.
But behind those focused days, a long-held passion quietly waited to be revived.
In spare moments, Umar would take out his clippers and give haircuts to his colleagues under the open sky. One by one, they came—not just for a trim, but for the comfort and confidence that came with each cut. His hands, steady and skilled, spoke volumes.
Soon, the buzz of the clippers returned—not as a memory, but as a new beginning.
His gift didn’t go unnoticed. Umar received a professional barbering kit to support his work, helping him build a thriving side business—right there on the farm.
Today, Umar balances his warehouse duties with the barbering he loves—restoring confidence, building friendships, and proving that even life’s unexpected detours can lead us to where we’re truly meant to be.
This is what partnership makes possible. This is impact.
This is Umar’s comeback—and his story is just getting started.
