Calls have intensified for greater access to inclusive, technology-driven learning for blind and visually impaired persons as stakeholders marked the 70th anniversary of the Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind (FNSB).
Board Chairman of Access Bank, Dr. Ajoritsedere Awosika, and the wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, urged government and stakeholders to scale up support for the visually impaired through legislation, innovation, and education.
Awosika, who delivered the keynote address at the anniversary stakeholders’ conference held at the Vocational Training Centre, FIIRO Road, Oshodi, stressed that blindness should never be seen as a barrier to greatness.
She cited global icons such as musician Stevie Wonder and Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille system, as proof that disability can be transformed into extraordinary ability when determination meets opportunity.
Speaking on the theme “Vision Without Eyes: Striving for Excellence”, Awosika noted that true vision resides in the mind, heart, and will—not just in physical sight.
She further urged government at all levels to strengthen legislation and ensure strict enforcement to protect the rights of persons with disabilities.
Representing Mrs. Sanwo-Olu at the event, Oyinda Ogunsanwo Emmanuel commended the FNSB for decades of service in empowering visually impaired persons.
She emphasized that disability should not be equated with inability, noting that with the right support and environment, every individual can achieve greatness.“This theme is timely and apt,” she said. “Over the decades, FNSB has supported countless visually impaired individuals in realizing their goals and aspirations. In today’s world, no physical challenge should incapacitate anyone from achieving great things in life.”