Chairman of Channels Television Mr John Momoh; philanthropist Sir Olu Okeowo; and the Bishop of Lagos Central and Archbishop-elect of the Archdiocese of Edo and Delta Methodist Church Nigeria the Rt. Revd. Ransford Nortey have called on Nigerians government and corporate organisations to increase support for persons with visual impairments.
They made the call at the 71st anniversary celebration and Independence Ball of the Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind (FNSB) an evening of fashion music awards and fundraising aimed at advancing the rehabilitation and empowerment of visually impaired Nigerians.
The event brought together business leaders corporate executives religious leaders and other well-wishers. It also featured a fashion parade in which visually impaired participants showcased traditional Nigerian attire highlighting their talents confidence and capacity to contribute meaningfully to society.
Speaking at the event Momoh commended FNSB for its work stressing that inclusion should not be treated as charity but as a shared responsibility requiring the support of individuals businesses and government.
‘FNSB is really doing a great job. Inclusion is not charity. Everybody should be on board and support them’ he said.
Momoh noted that while government intervention was important society also had a responsibility to support initiatives that improved the lives of persons with disabilities.
Also speaking Okeowo urged Nigerians to demonstrate greater compassion towards visually impaired people emphasising the importance of love sacrifice and practical assistance in helping them overcome barriers.
Nortey also urged the government corporate bodies and faith-based organisations to partner with FNSB describing its work as a service to humanity and the nation.
‘We thank God for what the society for the blind is doing and it is quite impressive. We want to encourage them to continue their good work’ he said.
He called for collaboration with the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Christian Council of Nigeria noting that both organisations could support FNSB through their existing programmes and partnerships.
In her remarks the Chairman of the Executive Council of FNSB Mrs Arit Tunde-Imoyo said the organisation had spent 71 years rehabilitating retraining and empowering people who lost their sight.
She explained that the society established a vocational training centre a year after its founding to help people who became blind acquire new skills regain their independence and rebuild their lives.
According to her FNSB has rehabilitated more than 3500 people many of whom have gone on to build careers in law engineering business and other professions. Some former trainees have also earned postgraduate degrees and assumed leadership positions.
‘What stands out for us is knowing that our trainees are doing well somewhere. When we hear their names in the news and learn that they are managing directors or entrepreneurs doing very well that makes us happy’ she said.
Tunde-Imoyo disclosed that the society hoped to expand its reach beyond Lagos and accommodate more trainees from across Nigeria. Although the centre has the capacity to train 100 people annually she said achieving this goal would require additional funding partnerships and modern training facilities.
She identified assistive and digital technologies as essential to improving rehabilitation and vocational training urging individuals corporate organisations and development partners to support the society’s plans.
The FNSB chairman also called for the implementation of policies promoting the employment of persons with disabilities including a policy recommending that five per cent of an organisation’s workforce comprise people with disabilities.
She further advocated an accessible environment where visually impaired people could move safely without encountering obstacles such as potholes while urging Nigerians to recognise and respect people who use white canes.
Tunde-Imoyo stressed that sustained advocacy and public enlightenment were necessary to achieve meaningful inclusion.
Also speaking at the event the Executive Secretary of FNSB Mr Oluwamayowa Oke said the anniversary provided an opportunity to consolidate the society’s achievements and strengthen its capacity to reach more persons who are blind.
He emphasised the need for sustained investment in vocational rehabilitation assistive technology accessible learning resources and aftercare support to ensure that training translates into lasting independence for beneficiaries.
Oke called on corporate organisations development partners and individuals to support the society’s next phase of growth and its vision of breaking down barriers for persons with visual impairment.