Some concerned experts have called on the federal and state governments as well as individuals to look into the wellbeing of visually impaired persons in the country.

They made this call at the Open Day Project/Funds raising ceremony of the Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind (FNSB) held in Oshodi, Lagos, recently.
One of the experts, Sunday Ibironke, stressed that there was a need for equal opportunities and inclusiveness in government for People Living With Disabilities (PLWD), saying they need empathy and not pity.

He said: “l am part of this family. I have a son and a mother with disabilities. We are all prone to disability either through accident, old age, diseases or other ailments.” He called on Nigerians to invest on people living with various forms of disabilities in the society.

A board member of the FSBN, Mrs Ayopeju Njideaka, urged individuals and corporate organisations to support the welfare and projects of visually impaired people and also buy their products and engage their services.

She noted that blindness is not a mental case, adding that the visually impaired can be rehabilitated and empowered to live life at its full potential.

She disclosed that the Open Day Project would be done quarterly to bring people to interact with the blind and to generate funds.

A former student and a teacher at the school, Mr. Philip Oluwole, urged families to promote self-reliance among the visually impaired while also asking their relatives to show more care for them. Some of the products on display at the event were tye and dye (adire), liquid soap, key holders, hand-made bags, and baskets, among others.