By Agbo Christian Obiora
LAGOS, Nigeria – June 25, 2025 — The Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind (FNSB) has issued a heartfelt call for increased support and funding to sustain its vital rehabilitation and empowerment programmes for persons with visual impairments. The plea came during the Society’s 67th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos—a poignant gathering that blended reflection with renewed resolve to uplift one of Nigeria’s most overlooked communities.
For over six decades, the FNSB has been a pillar of hope, providing specialized training, support, and life skills to thousands of visually impaired Nigerians through its Vocational Training Centre (VTC) in Oshodi. But now, amidst rising inflation and dwindling donor interest, the Society says it is facing unprecedented financial strain.
Mounting Challenges: Old Buildings, Rising Costs, and Limited Resources
In her keynote address, Mrs. Arit Tunde-Imoyo, Chairman of the FNSB Council, painted a sobering picture of the current state of affairs.
“We face major financial challenges. The cost of rehabilitating just one trainee continues to rise, and we are up against the reality of donor fatigue and increasing competition for corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds,” she explained.
Tunde-Imoyo further noted that the FNSB’s physical infrastructure, which dates back over 60 years, is in dire need of renovation. She highlighted critical needs, including the replacement of the organization’s aging school bus and filling staffing gaps caused by budgetary constraints.
“Despite our commitment, passion alone is no longer enough. Without urgent financial intervention, our capacity to deliver quality services and training to the visually impaired will be severely compromised,” she added, urging well-meaning Nigerians, organizations, and the government to act now.
From Experience: “Blindness is Not the End of the Road”
One of the most stirring moments of the meeting came from Olalekan Biobaku, Chairman of Fengate Insurance Ltd., who shared his personal journey into blindness at the age of 69, following complications from glaucoma.
“I lost my sight late in life, but I’ve remained active—even in golf—thanks to the support of my family and the opportunities available to me. With the right support, it’s a win-win situation for the visually impaired and the society at large,” he said, while calling for innovative fundraising methods, including alumni support and social enterprise models, to sustain the FNSB’s operations.
Partners Reaffirm Commitment to Empowerment
The event also attracted representatives from key government agencies and development partners. Speaking on behalf of Dr. Jummai Tutuwa, Director-General of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), Mr. Timothy Ajayi reaffirmed FIIRO’s commitment to free vocational and skill acquisition programmes for the visually impaired.
“Empowering persons with visual impairment through practical, hands-on skills is part of our institutional mandate. We will continue to work with the FNSB to ensure they have access to these opportunities,” he noted.
“Include Us in National Development Plans” – A Call from Within
Adding to the chorus of advocacy was Akinjide Akinpelu, a visually impaired music lecturer at the FNSB’s VTC, who passionately urged stakeholders to invest more in early intervention, inclusive education, and development programmes.
“People with disabilities deserve dignity, work ethics, and a real place in national development plans. We are not liabilities; we are assets waiting to be empowered,” Akinpelu declared.
Also speaking, Mrs. Ayopeju Njideaka, Chairperson of the VTC Board, reassured guests of the centre’s unwavering commitment to excellence, inclusion, and empowerment.
“The VTC remains a beacon of hope, of transformation and excellence. But hope must be fueled by action. And action requires resources,” she said, calling for a united front in protecting and expanding the legacy of the institution.
In Other News: Xpress Payments Appoints Olayisade as Acting Managing Director
In the fintech space, Xpress Payment Solutions Limited has announced the appointment of Wale Olayisade as its Acting Managing Director, following the retirement of the company’s pioneering leader, Dr. Markie Idowu.
The appointment, which takes immediate effect, is subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The company made the announcement in an official statement released this week.
Dr. Idowu, who is stepping down after an illustrious 36-year career across banking, IT, and fintech, has been credited with transforming Xpress Payments into a key player in Nigeria’s digital finance ecosystem. She will, however, continue to serve on the company’s board as a shareholder and non-executive director.
Meet Wale Olayisade: A Tech Strategist with Vision
Before his new role, Olayisade served as the company’s Executive Director and Chief Information Officer (CIO). With over 25 years of experience spanning telecommunications, financial services, and digital transformation, Olayisade is recognized for his process optimization expertise and strategic leadership.
A certified Lean Six Sigma – Green Belt professional, he specializes in aligning business objectives with tech-driven innovations to deliver bottom-line results.
Olayisade holds a B.Tech in Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and an MSc in International Management from the University of Liverpool. He has also completed executive programmes at Columbia Business School and Lagos Business School, making him a well-rounded leader positioned to guide Xpress Payments into its next phase of growth.
A Moment of Reflection and Renewal
As the FNSB marks 67 years of unwavering service and as Xpress Payments transitions into a new leadership era, both institutions serve as reminders of the importance of vision, resilience, and leadership—even amid uncertainty.
For the visually impaired and other vulnerable populations, the road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but with collective effort, visionary leadership, and adequate investment, the future can indeed be bright—even without sight.
#FNSB67 #InclusionMatters #DisabilityRights #FintechLeadership #XpressPayments
