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By Adeola Ogunlade
The Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind (FNSB) is celebrating its 70th anniversary, marking seven decades of rehabilitating, educating, and empowering Nigerians who have lost their sight.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos to announce activities for the milestone, the Chairman of FNSB, Mrs. Arit Tunde-Imoyo, described the celebration as a moment to reflect on the society’s enduring impact.
“To live up to 70 is no small feat. For us, this is a society that, since its founding, has restored dignity and independence to countless visually impaired Nigerians,” she said.
“We have trained lawyers, engineers, teachers, and bankers. Some of our alumni work in top organisations, from PwC to international agencies,” Tunde-Imoyo noted.
The 70th anniversary celebration is themed “Vision Without Eyes: Striving for Excellence”, a title Tunde-Imoyo said reflects the determination and resilience of visually impaired Nigerians who continue to strive and succeed against all odds.
She highlighted activities for the anniversary which include a stakeholders’ conference and alumni gathering in September, a joint interfaith thanksgiving service in October, and a gala night, and White Cane Day celebration to cap the celebrations.
Tunde-Imoyo also used the occasion to call for stronger government involvement and disability-friendly infrastructure.
“Look at the roads leading here—how will a visually impaired person with a cane navigate them? Every road project should include safe pedestrian walkways. Traders and motorists should be kept off these paths. Without enforcement, our people remain at risk,” she appealed.
The chairman emphasised that FNSB’s work serves all Nigerians, not just Lagos residents.
“This centre can take up to 100 trainees annually. We have the facilities—hostels, instructors’ quarters—but we cannot do it alone. Both federal and state governments must play a bigger role in rehabilitation and empowerment,” she said.
Tunde-Imoyo revealed that it now costs over N1.5 million per trainee annually to deliver residential, educational, mobility and skills training.
As the FNSB looks to the future, Tunde-Imoyo affirmed its mission: “We will continue to train, rehabilitate, and empower, so that losing one’s sight is never the end of living an independent, meaningful life.”
She further said that the Society’s expansion goals include building a purpose-designed ICT centre to meet digital workforce demands. Acquiring a new coaster bus for student transport and outreach.
“Establishing a basic eye clinic for early diagnosis and preventive care. Renovating hostels to increase capacity. Upgrading workshops with modern tools. Creating job placement pipelines with industries. Adding freelancing and remote work readiness to its curriculum”, she said.
In her words, Mrs. Oluyemisi Daramola, Chairman, 70th anniversary Committee, shared additional insights about the Society’s long-term approach.
“When you train someone who just lost their sight, it’s not just about giving them skills. It’s about rebuilding their life,” she said.
She added that the Society worked to support trainees through every stage, from rehabilitation to university admission, NYSC placement, and eventual job placement.
“This is a lifelong journey. We’ve had seven of our trainees recently pass UTME. Now we’re looking for sponsors to help them further,” she said.
