FirstBank To Launch Financial Services For Blind, Physically Challenged Customers

FirstBank, the premier West African bank and a leading financial inclusion service provider, is set to introduce tailored financial services for blind, partially sighted, and physically challenged customers across its operations.

This initiative is part of FirstBank’s broader continuous commitment to promoting Financial Inclusion and Diversity, which is shown in its policies, partnerships and initiatives such as its employees’ ratio of female to male (about 41 per cent,:59 per cent; and 37 per cent women in management roles) as well as the FirstBank Women Network, an initiative that seeks to address the gender gap and increase the participation of women at all levels within the organisation. 

In addition, the Bank’s membership of the UN Women is an affirmation of a deliberate policy that is consistent with UN Women’s Women Empowerment’s Principles (WEPs) ─ Equal Opportunity, Inclusion, and Nondiscrimination.

Commenting on the proposed launch, the Chief Risk Officer and Chairman of the FirstBank Sustainability Committee, Patrick Akhidenor, said, “Everyone deserves access to financial services whether physically or digitally.

“We recognise this, and we are providing financial services that are both accessible and affordable to visually impaired and physically challenged customers at all our touchpoints. We are making it possible for them to manage their accounts independently and securely, the bank said.”

The initiative will be implemented in phases across all subsidiaries and locations of the FirstBank Group. Transaction documents will be made available in braille, audio, large print, and digital formats. ATMs will be upgraded with high-contrast screens and voice-prompt commands, while cards issued will feature tactile motifs and braille inscriptions for easy recognition. Already existing soft PINs and tokens would be enhanced to boost secure access to banking channels. Product brochures will also be made available in braille and audio formats to support customer understanding and engagement.

FirstBank’s efforts align with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s financial inclusion strategy and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which advocate equal access to financial services.

With this initiative, FirstBank is shaping a future where every individual, regardless of physical ability, can manage their financial affairs without third-party assistance. By embedding accessibility into its core operations, the Bank is setting a new standard for ethical, inclusive, and impactful banking.

 

Read More

Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos Paralyzed As The Blind Community Protests Over School Closure

Activities around the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos were disrupted on Monday as hundreds of visually impaired people and other physically challenged persons staged a protest over the closure of Farm Craft, a government-run school for the blind.

The protesters, armed with a banner of the Farmcraft Centre for the Blind, blocked major access roads to the airport, causing significant traffic gridlock and halting movement for passengers and airport staff.

The protest has held the airport operations to ransom, as this led to many passengers missing their flights.

Passengers with luggages were seen trekking long distances to catch up with their flights.

According to the protesters, the protest was an attempt to draw President Bola Tinubu’s attention to the plight of disabled students whose education has been stalled for nearly two years.

They added that the protest had drawn over 500 participants, with more reportedly arriving from different parts of Lagos.

The protesters vowed to remain at the airport until they received a concrete response from the government regarding the reopening of their school.

A leader of the protest, who identified himself simply as Mr. Dolor, narrated efforts that had been put in place to secure the reopening of the school before they resorted to the protest.

“You can see the blind and disabled people; they are angry. A lot of Nigerians see them as beggars, but now they have their own school, a school that gave them dignity, and it has been shut down without reason for almost two years,” he said.

Dolor said the school in question is located in the Isheri area of Lagos with branches across the state.

The protesters say they have made repeated appeals to both state and federal authorities through official letters and delegations, but have received no response.

“This is why we are here,” Dolor said.

He added, “We know not every message reaches the President, but this one, with the whole airport affected, will surely get to him.”

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Obiageli Orah, warned passengers and other airport users of heavy traffic, urging commuters to seek alternative routes and confirm their flight schedules with airlines.

The statement reads, “This is a travel advisory for passengers and commuters to/from Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.

“Due to an ongoing protest by the Farmcraft Centre for the Blind, traffic congestion is currently impacting access roads to the airport.”

The authority apologised for the inconvenience caused and advised travellers to remain patient and stay informed through official channels.

Read More

Lagos Intensifies HIV Prevention Efforts With Inclusive Outreach To Hearing, Visually Impaired Persons

In a determined move to promote inclusive healthcare and curb the spread and stigma associated with HIV and AIDS, the Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), has organised a two-day sensitisation campaign specifically targeted at persons with hearing and visual impairments.

The sensitisation outreach, which was held from July 22 to 23, 2025, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alausa-Ikeja, underscores LSACA’s commitment to adopting inclusive strategies in HIV prevention, public awareness, and stigma reduction among vulnerable and often overlooked populations.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, Dr. Folakemi Animashaun reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s dedication to ensuring that no one is left behind in the management and control of HIV and AIDS in the state.

“Inclusion is not an act of charity; it is an act of justice,” Dr. Animashaun stated, commending the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for its unwavering commitment to equity and social justice under the THEMES Plus development agenda.

She further emphasised that people with disabilities, particularly the hearing and visually impaired, often face systemic barriers in accessing health information and services, increasing their risk of HIV infection and exposure to stigma.

Dr. Animashaun explained that the outreach was thoughtfully designed to educate participants on practical HIV prevention methods, address stigma and discrimination, and ensure that HIV-related messaging is fully accessible to those with hearing and visual impairments.

“This programme is not just about sharing information,” she said. “It is about empowering a community to become active participants and advocates in the HIV response. We are committed to achieving zero new infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths in Lagos State. Reaching people with disabilities is essential to this goal”, she said.

Reiterating the inclusive governance approach of the present administration, Dr. Animashaun revealed that the state government has translated key Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials into braille and has provided sign language interpreters to ensure effective dissemination of vital HIV prevention and management information.

She concluded by assuring the public that LSACA remains resolute in its mission to expand access to life-saving HIV services, strengthen health systems, and ensure that no individual or community is left behind in the state’s ongoing HIV and AIDS response.

 

Read More

Inclusive Workforce: Lagos Commissioner Calls For More Disability Empowerment At DEEP Conference

The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende has reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to promoting inclusive employment opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs), describing disability inclusion as both a right and a driver of sustainable socio-economic growth.

Speaking at the Disability Empowerment and Employability Project (DEEP) conference held recently at Kano Hall, NECA House, Lagos, Ogunlede, applauded The IREDE Foundation for its decade-long impact in championing the rights of persons with disabilities.

“I commend The IREDE Foundation for 10 years of impactful work, extending limbs and raising champions,” Ogunlende said. “Your dedication to empowering persons with disabilities is exemplary and inspiring.”

He stressed that the conversation around inclusive employment must go beyond policy to practical action, noting that the newly launched Recruitment Toolkit for PWDs would be instrumental in guiding employers towards inclusive hiring practices across both public and private sectors.

Mr Ogunlende urged all participants to take the strategies and commitments from the conference back to their organisations, ministries, and communities, with a pledge to work collectively towards unlocking greater opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship for persons with disabilities.

The General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, in her remarks, highlighted the efforts of the Lagos State Government to integrate PWDs through targeted empowerment initiatives and inclusive policies.

She emphasised the need to provide platforms for individuals with disabilities, particularly those at the grassroots level, to excel at higher levels of society.

Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal also drew attention to the distinct needs of caregivers, stating that while caregivers require empowerment for their roles, PWDs themselves need both employment opportunities and empowerment.

The Programme Associate of The IREDE Foundation, Ms. Deborah Yusuf gave an overview of the DEEP initiative and the newly launched Recruitment Toolkit, describing them as essential tools for promoting workplace inclusion and reducing systemic barriers.

A highlight of the event was a panel discussion featuring the LASODA General Manager, among other notable experts, where participants exchanged ideas on inclusive employment, accessibility, and empowerment.

 

Read More