The Resource Centre for the Blind (RCB), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has called on the government and corporate organisations to provide a conducive environment for the visually impaired and people with special needs.
The Director of the Centre, Temitayo Ayinla-Omotola, made the call while speaking to newsmen in Lagos on Saturday during the 2023 World Sight Day, held at the Destitute Home Okobaba in Ebute-Metta, Lagos.
Ayinla-Omotola said there is a need for adequate training for teachers of the visually impaired, as well as more awareness and advocacy on the importance of eye care.
“The laws that protect visually impaired and disabled people must be well implemented,” she said.
“The government must also create a safe and inclusive environment for them.”
She added that there is a need for robust infrastructure and development for people with visual impairments.
“There is also a need for awareness on how teachers and trainers of the visually impaired can acquire the necessary skills to support the learning of the Visually Impaired.
“There is a huge gap in the skill sets of trainers because they don’t have the knowledge and there are no resources,” she said.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to newsmen commended the RCB for its initiative and called for its replication in other parts of the country.
Nasiru Abdullahi, one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to God and the organization for providing him with a new white cane free of charge.
In his remarks, Adam Jubril, the Fadan Sarkin Makafi of Lagos, appreciated the organisers for reaching out to the Destitute Home, Oko Baba, Ebute Meta, and urged the government to provide support for the visually impaired children among them.
“As you reach out to us today may God continue to bless your organisation. It is my great delight to witness this great initiative, especially considering the current economic downturn in the country.
“I want to use this medium to call on the federal government to help us to take these kids back to school so they can become great in the future,” he said.
The organisers of the event provided free medical services to at least 300 beneficiaries, among other palliatives, to commemorate the global day.
. TheWitness
