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By Agatha Emeadi
Prominent stakeholders, including Chairman of Access Bank Board, Dr. Ajoritsedere Awosika and wife of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, have called for increased access to inclusive, technology-driven education for blind and visually impaired persons across Nigeria.
The call was made during a stakeholders’ conference held to mark the 70th anniversary of the Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind (FNSB). The event, themed: “Vision Without Eyes: Striving for Excellence” took place at the FNSB Vocational Centre in Oshodi, Lagos.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Awosika emphasised the need to look beyond physical sight and embrace the broader concept of vision, the power of the mind and heart to pursue excellence despite limitations.
“The theme reminds us that true vision resides in the mind, the heart and the will, not just in physical sight. Blindness is not a barrier to greatness,” she said, referencing iconic figures like Stevie Wonder and Louis Braille, as examples of those who have overcome visual impairment to make a global impact.
She stressed that inclusion in the 21st century must go beyond charity, and be rooted in justice, equity and systemic progress.
She urged the government to accelerate the implementation of the Disability Act of 2018, calling for stronger legislation and enforcement to guarantee accessible infrastructure, inclusive education and equal job opportunities for people living with disabilities.
“Education is the master key to empowerment. Blind and visually impaired people must have access to inclusive, technology-driven learning.
“Vocational training, like what is offered at FNSB, should be expanded and paired with digital literacy so that no one is left behind in today’s knowledge economy.”
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She further urged corporate organisations to adopt inclusive hiring practices and invest in assistive technologies, while also supporting institutions like the FNSB.
According to her, inclusion is a shared responsibility that must involve government, private sector, development partners and civil society.
While calling for action, she said: “As we celebrate 70 years of impact, let this conference serve not just as a commemoration, but as a recommitment to measurable outcomes. Let us pledge that in the next decade, Nigeria will be a country, where every blind and visually impaired child can dream without barriers, learn without limits and work without discrimination.”
Representing the wife of Lagos State Governor, Oyinda Ogunsanwo Emmanuel, reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Sanwo-Olu commended FNSB’s decades-long contribution to empowering visually impaired Nigerians.
“Disability is not inability. No physical challenge should incapacitate anyone from achieving great things in life. The theme of this forum affirms that persons with disabilities possess unique skills that must be nurtured in an enabling environment,” she said.
She pledged continued support from the Lagos State Government, in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES-Plus agenda, emphasising innovation as a crucial tool for inclusion and social integration.
“We must continue to eliminate all practices that perpetuate segregation and promote the integration of PWDs into society. It is our collective duty to create a world that is accessible and equitable for all,” she added.
