By Cleopatra Eki
The Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind (FNSB), in collaboration with the Daramola Dynasty Foundation (DDF), Bluebulb Financials, DealMakers, and BuyLetLive, successfully hosted their 26th Annual Sports Day, themed “Breaking Barriers: Vision Beyond Sight.” This year’s event highlighted the organization’s commitment to promoting inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment for individuals with visual impairments.
Engr. Olanrewaju Daramola, Founder of DDF, emphasized the importance of allowing every individual to hone their talents and skills regardless of disabilities. He stated, “Every human being should be allowed to hone their talents and skills and become anything they want to be; any form of disability should not impede achieving their dreams.” Daramola expressed DDF’s privilege in partnering with FNSB to sponsor the event, reinforcing their dedication to fostering inclusive communities.
Mr. Fusi Akinkugbe, FNSB Chairman, noted the upcoming 70th anniversary of the organization in 2024, reflecting on their long-standing efforts to train and empower the blind community in Nigeria. He appealed to governments and stakeholders to support such events, stressing the need for equal opportunities and inclusiveness for people living with disabilities.
Mrs. Ayopeju Njideaka, Chairman of the Board of Governors at the Vocational Training Center for the Blind, highlighted FNSB’s mission since 1955 to provide hope, support, and opportunities for individuals facing blindness and visual impairment. She remarked that the event aimed to raise awareness about the challenges of the visually impaired and educate the community on the importance of eye care.
Representing the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Emmanuel Amuwo underscored the state’s commitment to promoting sports and youth development. He thanked the numerous partners, including Bluebulb Financials, BuyLetLive.com, DealMakers, Cadbury Nigeria, Guinness, IAL Nigeria, Creseada, and FCMB, for their generous contributions to the blind community in Lagos.
The event, which saw over 500 attendees, featured activities such as long jump, tug of war, and match past, alongside Goal Ball, a sport designed for people with visual impairments. The highlight included a free eye test and check-up, a continuation of DDF’s commitment to SDG 3, Good Health. A spokesperson for DealMakers BDC emphasized the importance of eye tests, noting that many individuals have undiagnosed corrective eye defects.
A spokesperson for Bluebulb Financials expressed pride in supporting FNSB’s mission, stating, “Events like this Sports Day showcase the incredible potential of people with visual impairment, and we are honored to be a part of it.”
The event not only celebrated the resilience and strength of visually impaired individuals but also underscored the importance of community support and inclusivity in empowering them to achieve their dreams.
“We are proud to support the Federal Nigeria Society of the Blind and their mission to empower people with visual impairment. Events like this Sports Day showcase the incredible potential of people with visual impairment, and we are honored to be a part of it”
The event featured a range of activities, including long jump, tug of war, and match past, as well as Goal Ball, a special sport designed for people with visual impairment. A winner from the Goal Ball event said.
“I am happy for this opportunity to participate in this year’s event and win a medal, thank you FNSB and DDF for making this possible. ”
“In addition, a major highlight of the event was the free Eye Test and Check-up for the attendees of the event. When asked why this was an important part of the event, a spokesperson for DealMakers BDC one of the sponsors of the event said, “Some people have corrective eye defects that are undiagnosed, hence when FNSB indicated that free eye tests should be part of the event, we were in full support.”
