By Cleopatra Eki
In a bid to address the welfare and issues affecting clusters of disability in the society, lnner Eyes Foundation has organised a 1day event with a theme “Who you help” at the National Stadium Lagos.
Kelly Blind, convener Inner Eye Foundation disclosed that the celebration is necessary to deliberate on issues affecting them such as total neglect, lack of transparency and accountability on government budgets and programmes, discrimination, stigmatization of persons with disability and to cap it all pray for our country Nigeria.
The foundation also joins other stakeholders to called on the government to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities to recognise and protect their rights.
According to Kelly, year in and year out, the people with disability don’t have a platform where we can rub minds and have fun together, hence lnner Eyes Foundation has created this platform to address their issues and empower persons with disabilities. We are here to have one voice to spearhead our course.
The group observed that people with disability are not well treated nor represented in the country’s activities, budget, offices, policies and welfare. Sadly they alledged that LASODA office is not representing them well, no transparency and accountability.
In addition, our para -Olympics members and sports members who have won medals for country are not left, they complained of not been paid their bonuses and allowances.
The visually impaired human rights crusader, Kelly Blind said “We have professionals, entrepreneurs, educated ones among us with dependants to support”.
The blind radio host and comedian called on the government, especially federal and states to build special schools ,vocational training and infrastructure for clusters of the disability, Sadly, most of the people with disabilities are languishing and unproductive in some regions and begging to feed – he said.
Speaking at the event, Mr Tola Ojuorin Lagos State chairman of Albonism charged the clusters of disabilities to come out as a force to know themselves, local government chairman and group to champion their plights.
He urged stakeholders and families to continue working together with the society to tackle the obstacles, injustices and discrimination that persons with disabilities experience.
Kemi Ogunsanya special guest and a co – radio host with Kelly Blind championing the course for people with disabilities through the radio ‘Better Naija’ WAZOBIA FM programme for over some years.
She observed that most blind females don’t like to use the guide canes because of stigmation and discrimination.She disclosed that she is planning free computer training for blind next month. She advised that they should never give up talents, gifts despite their disabilities and they would use their potentials.
The foundation also appreciated the support and partnership of Mr D. N Gawankar, founder Patron- Kirti’s Kare Foundation and founder Kirti Sudhanshu who promised to support members with 100 artificial limbs, free eye test and treatment for the group, others are PWAN who also provided 30 guide canes for the blind and Mr Ndubisi Osuji board member among others.
Speaking to Mr John Sunday , blind person, appreciated the gathering. He called on government to be more responsible and accountable to the clusters of disabilities.
John promised to go to his ljesha local government council and teach people who are willing to learn how to do liquid soap and toilet cleaner for free in order to empower them. He believes there is ability in disability.
