by Agbo Chris
Disability Not A Barrier Initiative (DINABI) on Wednesday 2nd October, 2019 organized a programme tagged: Back to School Version 2.1 for students with visual impairments at the Government Special School for the Blind, Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State. The event which was aimed at sensitizing the students on how to cope with disabilities and how to live a fulfilled life witnessed an influx of various dignitaries from the civil society and government sides.
The executive director of DINABI, Engr Olajide Funso Benjamin who is a person with physical disability speaking at the event lectured the students on “Ten ways on how to cope with Disability Barriers”. He urged them to stay focused on the positives, never to give up, to challenge themselves and try new things, to be polite and stay calm with obnoxious people while also urging them to accept their disability and move on.
He also urges the federal government to implement the national disability acts by first establishing a national disability commission. He said that establishment of national disability commission will further give hope to 27million Nigerians living with disabilities as well as sense of belonging to PWDs.
A representative of Ekiti state government and a Board member of EKSCIDA, Hon Eyitayo Fabunmi in his speech at the event stated that the administration of Governor Kayode Fayemi will do everything possible to make persons with disabilities happy. He urged the students to follow in the footsteps of the founder of DINABI, Engr. Olajide whom he described as a disability ambassador in Ekiti State. Hon Fabunmi who is also the founder of an NGO called CEFSORD promised that his NGO will partner with DINABI to implement some projects for the students benefit.
The chairman of JONAPWD in Ekiti state, Mr Omotola Omotunla advised the students not to see their present situation as a barrier to their success in life. He urged the students to emulate the lives of various disability advocates across Nigeria such as Engr. Olajide Funso, David Anyaele, Dr Irene Patrick-Ogbogu etc.
Miss Ibitoye Hellen, the Program Assistant of DINABI took the students through a presentation titled “Positive Mind, Positive Vibes breeds Positive Life”. Miss Ibitoye who is on wheel-chair narrated her own story and urged the students to learn from her own experience.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of various gift items to support the students which includes beverages, toiletries, writing materials etc.
The vice principal of the school Mr Seidu Olasunkanmi who spoke on behalf of the principal who was unavoidable absent due to an official assignment expressed joy and appreciation to DINABI for their thoughtfulness and passion for the issues of persons with disabilities. He said DINABI is the first NGO founded by a PWD to visit the school.
The students were delighted and they stated that its first of its kind in the history of the school. They also took turns to pray for DINABI.
O appreciate your efforts toward supporting visually impaired students. At this point I want ask whether your support is across the Country or you limited it to some part of Nigeria
send your number so that i will get it across to DINABI. They will contact you for some details.