The Executive Council of the Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind (FNSB) has appealed for greater financial support to enhance the welfare and infrastructure for persons living with visual disabilities.
Mrs. Arit Tunde-Imoyo, Chairman of the Council, made the call during the Society’s 67th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Oshodi, Lagos State.
She stressed the urgent need for funding, citing the impact of the country’s economic downturn on the cost of running the Society’s Vocational Training Centre (VTC).
“In line with our mission to provide sustainable support for the blind through rehabilitation, empowerment, and advocacy, we are facing major challenges, especially financial sustainability,” she said.
“The cost of rehabilitating one trainee continues to rise, while donor fatigue and competition for corporate social responsibility support persist.”
She noted that the Society’s facilities, many of which are over 60 years old, require urgent rehabilitation and renovations.
She also highlighted the rising costs of vehicle maintenance, electricity tariffs, and essential supplies, all exacerbated by inflation and the lack of government subsidies.
“The cost of living increases have affected our food supply, service contracts, and staff strength. Our school bus urgently needs replacement, and we are grappling with a staffing gap due to resource constraints,” Tunde-Imoyo added.
Despite cost-cutting measures, she said the persistent double-digit inflation has continued to strain operations. She thanked donors for their ongoing support but emphasised that the cost of training and teaching each student still needs to be sourced by the Society.
In his goodwill message, Mr. Olalekan Adebowale Biobaku, Chairman of Fengate Insurance Limited, encouraged FNSB to explore innovative and scalable support models, including social enterprise, hub-and-spoke systems, alumni fundraising, and digital monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
Biobaku, who lost his sight at age 69 due to glaucoma, shared his personal story, saying he remains active and supported, particularly during golf competitions. “With the right support, it’s a win-win situation,” he said.
Dr. Jummai Adamu Tutuwa, Director-General of FIIRO, represented by Mr. Timothy Omoniyi Ajayi, Director of Planning and Technology Transfer, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to empowering visually impaired individuals through free training initiatives.
Also speaking, Mr. Akinjide Akinpelu, a visually impaired music lecturer at the VTC, urged the government, NGOs, and the private sector to invest in long-term inclusion strategies.
He emphasized the importance of early intervention, accessible learning tools, and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
“People with disabilities deserve dignity, work ethics, and access to national development plans,” Akinpelu said.
Mrs Ayopeju Njideaka, Chairman of the VTC Board of Governors, concluded by reaffirming the board’s commitment to rehabilitation and empowerment.
“The centre remains a beacon of hope, excellence, and transformation,” she said.
