The Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind (FNSB) has appealed for more funding to sustain its rehabilitation efforts for the visually impaired. Speaking at the 67th yearly general meeting in Lagos, FNSB Council Chairman Arit Tunde-Imoyo said inflation and limited resources are straining the operations of the society.
“We face major financial challenges. The cost of rehabilitating one trainee keeps rising while donor fatigue and CSR competition persist. Our buildings are over 60 years old and need urgent renovation. Our school bus needs replacement, and staffing gaps persist due to budget limits,” she said.
Chairman of Fengate Insurance Ltd., Olalekan Biobaku, advised FNSB to explore sustainable models like social enterprise and alumni fundraising.
“I lost my sight at 69 due to glaucoma, but with my family’s support, I remain active—even in golf. With the right support, it’s a win-win,” he said.
Representing Dr. Jummai Tutuwa, FIIRO Director-General, Timothy Ajayi pledged continued empowerment training.
“FIIRO is committed to supporting visually impaired individuals through free vocational initiatives,” he said. Akinjide Akinpelu, a visually impaired VTC music lecturer, urged investment in early intervention and inclusive development.
“People with disabilities deserve dignity, work ethics and a place in national development plans,” he stated. Ayopeju Njideaka, Chairman of the VTC Board, reaffirmed their commitment to the success of the society.
According to her, the centre remains a beacon of hope, excellence and transformation.
Olayisade becomes acting MD of Xpress Payments
The board of Xpress Payment Solutions Limited has appointed Wale Olayisade as acting Managing Director with immediate effect.
According to the firm, his appointment is subject to the requisite regulatory approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The board also extended its deepest appreciation to the immediate past Managing Director, Dr Markie Idowu for her exceptional leadership of the company over the last five years.
The statement said Idowu’s retirement from the company follows an illustrious 36-year-long career in banking, IT and fintech. However, the statement said she remains on the board of the company as a shareholder and non-executive director.
Before he was appointed acting Managing Director, Olayisade was the Executive Director/Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the company. He brings deep institutional knowledge and 25 years of experience spanning telecommunications, financial services, and fintech, where he has been involved in the digitisation of different financial services.
The statement said he is a seasoned process improvement specialist who utilises his knowledge as a Lean Six Sigma – Green Belt (GoLeanSixSigma) holder to optimise processes and ensure alignment of business goals with technology solutions to drive competitive advantage and bottom-line gains.
Olayisade holds a B. Tech. in Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Akure and an MSc in International Management from the University of Liverpool. He has also attended executive education programmes at Columbia Business School and Lagos Business School.
