The Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind has lamented that thousands of visually impaired persons still lack access to rehabilitation, education, assistive technology and employment opportunities.
The Chairman of the society’s Executive Council, Mrs Arit Tunde-Imoyo, said blindness should not condemn anyone to a life of dependence, exclusion or hopelessness.
She spoke at the 71st anniversary and Independence Dinner of the centre, held on Friday at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
Tunde-Imoyo said the anniversary celebrated not just 71 years of the organisation’s existence but also the vision of its founders, who believed that blind persons could live productive and independent lives if given the necessary training and opportunities.
She said, “In 1955, while Nigeria was still under colonial rule and five years before our national independence, a group of compassionate Nigerians and expatriates came together with a bold vision: that blindness should not condemn a person to a life of dependence, exclusion or hopelessness.
“They believed that persons who are blind could be trained, empowered and allowed to live productive and independent lives. That vision gave birth to the Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind.”
She explained that independence for blind persons went beyond freedom from colonial rule to include the ability to move around, read, acquire skills, earn a living, make choices and contribute meaningfully to society.
According to her, the society has transformed lives through its Vocational Training Centre, rehabilitation programmes, advocacy and partnerships, enabling beneficiaries to acquire skills, confidence and the capacity to live independently.
She said, “We know that we have only just begun. There are still thousands of blind persons who need access to rehabilitation, education, assistive technology, employment and opportunity. There are still barriers to break and possibilities yet to be explored.
“So, as we celebrate, I invite all of us to become part of the next chapter of this story. Let us build an FNSB that reaches more people, creates greater opportunities and ensures that every person who is blind has the chance to live with dignity, purpose and independence.”
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the FNSB, Mr Oluwamayowa Oke, said true independence for blind persons should go beyond access to training to include practical opportunities for employment, income generation and full participation in society.
Oke said the society’s work through its Vocational Training Centre focused on equipping beneficiaries with the skills, confidence and support needed for independent living.
He called for greater collaboration among employers, government and the private sector to expand employment opportunities and promote the inclusion of visually impaired persons in society.