Friday, 29th March 2024
To guardian.ng
Search

Group wants government support for visually impaired citizens

By Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu (Benin City) and Jumoke Adedeji (Lagos)
08 August 2017   |   3:41 am
The Federal Nigerian Society for the Blind has expressed displeasure over the inhumane treatment meted out to the visually impaired citizens in the country. Speaking at a press conference, ahead of its 12th annual White Cane day fitness walk....

• U.S. organisation renders free eye surgery in Edo

The Federal Nigerian Society for the Blind has expressed displeasure over the inhumane treatment meted out to the visually impaired citizens in the country. Speaking at a press conference, ahead of its 12th annual White Cane day fitness walk, the group bemoaned government’s neglect towards the rights of the visually impaired citizens.

President of the group, Mr. E.O. Akinsete, said the walk is aimed at drawing attention of the public to the plights of the blind and partially sighted persons in society. “It is a pity that in Nigeria, members of the public still do not assist the visually challenged and many people tend to treat them as unwanted persons,” he said.

According to the chairman, Chief Olu Falomo, the programme, which would be held at the National Stadium, Lagos on Saturday, August 12, from 7a.m. would be used to raise funds for the training and rehabilitation of the visually impaired in Nigeria.

   
Meanwhile, an American-based organisation, We Care Mission International, has rendered free eye surgery to 55 indigenes of Ugbegun Community in Esan Central Local Council of Edo State.
   
Speaking at the 2017 free medical mission to Ugbegun community, head of the We Care Mission, Mrs. Fatima Yakubu, said her joy was seeing parents able to set their eyes on their children and grandparents able to see their grandchildren.
   
Yakubu disclosed that at least, 55 surgeries at the cost of over N100,000 each were performed yearly on indigent Edo citizens as part of her organization’s mandate to provide free medical to those who also deserve to live a good life.
   
She said her support comes from family, friends and her church in America, noting that the organization was not supported by any national or foreign government.  

In this article

0 Comments