Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind Hosts Fundraising Event for Empowerment

The Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind (FNSB) is seeking support for visually impaired individuals as it prepares for an Independence Ball and fundraising event. This event will take place on Friday, October 9, at the Shell Zenith Hall, MUSON Centre in Onikan, Lagos.

Funds raised during the event will go towards the rehabilitation and training of visually impaired adolescents and adults. This includes providing free tuition, accommodation, meals, and training materials. The money will also support vocational courses such as computer literacy, Braille reading, mobility training, crafts, and music. These programs aim to help visually impaired individuals gain skills that can lead to employment or help them start their own businesses.

Arit Tunde-Imoyo, the Chairman of the Executive Council of FNSB, stated that the organization has been dedicated to empowering visually impaired people for over seventy years. Since its establishment in 1955, FNSB has helped hundreds of men and women with visual disabilities live with dignity and independence.

Tunde-Imoyo highlighted that the center has expanded its vocational programs and social reintegration initiatives to meet the evolving needs of visually impaired individuals. The organization is also focused on promoting inclusivity in education and employment.

However, she mentioned that the rising costs of providing these essential services have put financial strain on the organization. It now costs over N1.5 million each year to provide residential, educational, mobility, and vocational training for each trainee.

The Independence Ball will also serve as a platform to showcase the talents and achievements of visually impaired individuals to corporate leaders, policymakers, and philanthropists. This aims to challenge societal misconceptions about visual disabilities. The FNSB is calling on individuals, businesses, government agencies, and philanthropists to partner with them and support this important program.