The Kidnap Of Muhammad Abdullahi A Student Of Katsina School For The Blind And Matters Arising

Although policies and laws exist to protect persons with disabilities in Nigeria, implementation remains weak. Disability-inclusive security planning is rarely considered, and emergency response systems do not adequately account for the unique needs of vulnerable groups, OSAS EGHAREVBA writes.

Nigeria today is battling a deep and persistent security crisis. From kidnapping and banditry to terrorism and violent crimes, insecurity has gradually become part of everyday life. Citizens now live in fear, uncertain of their safety whether at home, on the road, in schools, or even in places meant to provide protection and learning. This growing insecurity reflects years of weak security coordination, poor intelligence gathering, and inadequate protection of vulnerable populations.

The failure of security in Nigeria is no longer limited to isolated areas or particular groups. It cuts across states, institutions, and social classes. Schools, which should be safe environments for learning and personal development, have become targets of criminal activities. Students are abducted, teachers are attacked, and communities are left traumatized. This situation has damaged public confidence in the ability of the state to protect lives and property.

Against this troubling background, the recent kidnap of Muhammad Abdullahi, a blind student of the Katsina School for the Blind, is especially heartbreaking. That a child with visual impairment was abducted while simply trying to access education shows how deep the security failure has become. If a blind student is no longer safe on his way to school, it raises serious questions about who is truly protected in this country.

This incident exposes the harsh reality that insecurity affects people differently. While all Nigerians suffer from insecurity, persons with disabilities face greater risks. A blind student relies on routine, assistance, and familiar environments to move safely. When these fragile safety structures collapse, such individuals are left extremely vulnerable. Criminals exploit this weakness, knowing that victims may find it difficult to escape or seek help.

As a student of the University of Benin, I am deeply disturbed by this incident. Even within Nigerian universities, there is limited assistance and institutional support for students with disabilities. Many rely on personal effort, goodwill from fellow students, or informal arrangements to survive academic life. When insecurity spreads into educational spaces, these students are the first to suffer the consequences.

Beyond security failure, this situation reflects a broader neglect of disability issues in Nigeria. Although policies and laws exist to protect persons with disabilities, implementation remains weak. Disability-inclusive security planning is rarely considered, and emergency response systems do not adequately account for the unique needs of vulnerable groups.

The kidnap of Muhammad Abdullahi should not be treated as just another tragic headline. It should serve as a wake-up call for government at all levels, security agencies, school authorities, and community leaders. Protecting the vulnerable is not optional; it is a moral and constitutional responsibility.

Nigeria must urgently strengthen its security architecture, particularly around schools, and adopt inclusive measures that consider the safety of persons with disabilities. Failure to act decisively sends a dangerous message that the lives of the most vulnerable can be ignored.

Until meaningful reforms are implemented, incidents like this will continue to expose a painful truth: Nigeria’s security crisis does not just threaten lives—it strips the most vulnerable of their dignity, safety, and hope.

Osas Egharevba writes from Edo State.

 

Read More

Members Of NAPWPd Draw Battle Line With Their Chairman, Adeniyi Rotimi, Over Unconstitutional Tenure Elongation: Threaten to drag him to EFCC for lack of financial accountability

An imminent implosion is looming before the Lagos state chapter of the National Association of Persons With Physical Disabilities (NAPWPD) as some concerned members of the association have confronted their chairman, Mr Adeniyi Rotimi, whom they accuse of “unconstitutional and illegal tenure elongation” amidst other allegations, including high-handedness and lack of financial accountability. This was contained in a petition written against the chairman in which they alleged that he has refused to conduct an election for the state chapter almost one year after the end of his tenure which they said expired February 2025. 

“We, the concerned members of the National Association of Persons With Physical Disabilities (NAPWPD) Lagos State Chapter, bring to your attention serious allegations of misconduct and term overstay against our State Chairman, Adeniyi Rotimi”, the petition read in parts.

Mr Rotimi was also accused of high-handedness, threatening anyone that spoke against the tenure elongation. In addition, he was said to always make a joke of the issue when confronted with it and thus treat an otherwise serious issue with levity.

The petition further alleged that the chairman was running the association without accountability and that he rarely called for a general meeting of the state chapter except when he wanted to solicit funds from members.

Speaking with Lagos Today Extra!, one of these concerned members who is also the chairman of the Lagos Island local chapter of the association, Mr Adeniyi Gbadamosi, said members of the association had tried in vain to prevail on Mr Rotimi to conduct an election so that new exco members can take over the running of the association. He said the chairman was delaying to conduct the election because of his ambition to become the new South-west coordinator when eventually an election is held into that office by June 2026.

“Election into the office of the zonal coordinator for the South-west zone of the association is coming up by June this year and whoever is the Lagos state chairman will automatically become the coordinator of the zone. That is why Adeniyi Rotimi is delaying in conducting the Lagos state chapter election. He wants to continue to be chairman so that when the South-west election comes, he will automatically become the new coordinator of the zone. But it is wrong to do this through unconstitutional and illegal process,” Mr Adeniyi Gbadamosi said. He added that Mr Rotimi has an entitlement mentality to the position because he is a chairman imposed on the association as there was no real contest during the election that brought him in.

“It was Dare Dairo , the former GM of Lasoda, that imposed him on us. At the time, Dairo was the outgoing chairman and he manipulated the entire electioneering process and handpicked those that are now in the state executive committee. Everything was done in secrecy, even members who wanted to obtain forms for that election could not do that because the forms were hidden and only those handpicked by Dare Dairo had access to them.

“Everything that is happening now is being orchestrated from the background by Dare Dairo. And that’s because he wants to come back as the new state chairman of the association. The plan is to delay the whole process so that when eventually Adeniyi Rotimi goes to the zonal level, Dare Dairo will come back as the new chairman,” he stated.

Confirming the allegation of high-handedness, Adeniyi Gbadamosi said members were intimidated into silence because of the fear of being unjustly evicted out of the association’s platform, citing the case of one Otunba who was removed from the platform because of his opposition to the tenure elongation. He also told Lagos Today Extra! that Mr Rotimi was running the association without financial accountability, stressing that concerned members were considering dragging him to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) so that he can account for all the funds that have come into the coffers of the association ever since he became chairman.

“In all the years that he has been chairman, Adeniyi Rotimi only called for a general meeting three times and this happens when he wants to solicit funds from members. We don’t know what happens to these funds. People like us will not just stand by and watch while our money is being misappropriated. We will certainly drag him to the EFCC so that he can account for all the money that has been coming into the association ever since he became chairman,” he further stated. 

When contacted for his own side of the story, Mr Adeniyi Rotimi said he could not speak on the issue because he had to consult with his exco first before talking to the press. However, The state auditor of the association, Mr Ugo Cul, who spoke on his behalf, dismissed the allegation of high-handedness levelled against the chairman, saying it was fabricated from the “pit of hell”.

According to him, Mr Adeniyi Rotimi is the epitome of humility who can never threaten anyone let alone evicting them from the association’s platform simply because they have views that are contrary to his.

“Have you asked these people making these allegations whether they have exhausted the internal mechanism in the association before going to the press? Our association is a national association and if, at the state level, you feel uncomfortable about certain things, then the wise thing to do is approach the national body for redress,” he said.

Mr Ugo Cul could not however provide an answer as to why the chairman has refused to conduct an election almost a year after the expiration of his tenure. He said he could not answer because it was an issue within the purview of the national body. He could not also confirm if the national body of the association was in favour of the unconstitutional tenure elongation.

Lending his voice to the issue, the state Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the association, Mr Ojo, said the allegation that the chairman was running the association without accountability was false and the handiwork of rumour mongers and mischief makers, stressing that Mr Rotimi had never embezzled the funds of the association. He also gave an insight as to why the state chapter had not conducted an election to usher in new exco members.

“It’s true that the tenure of the present administration expired last year. But it is not true that the chairman is not willing to conduct an election. We have not conducted the election because we have to wait for the local government chapters to conduct their own elections. As I speak with you, many of the local chapters are yet to conduct their elections. As soon as they do this, the state will conduct its own election,” he explained.

However, a source who is close to the exco but pleaded anonymity, faulted this explanation, insisting that tenure elongation was illegal and unconstitutional and therefore cannot be used in any guise.

“If for any reason, the state decides to defer its election to a later date, must it be through unconstitutional means? Why don’t they put in place a caretaker committee to take charge of the association pending the election of a new set of exco members?” the source asked, adding that, as at now, the present administration is unconstitutional and therefore whatever actions they take would be null and void and illegal.

Mr Adeniyi Gbadamosi also disagreed with the explanation given by the PRO, saying there was no part of the constitution that forbids state elections from holding until all local chapters have had their own elections.

In his own words: “It’s part of the delay tactics. There is no part of our constitution that says all local government chapters must conduct their elections before the state can conduct its own.”

Meanwhile, Mr Ugo Cul, the state auditor of the association became visibly angry when he learnt that Lagos Today Extra!’s correspondent spoke with Mr Ojo, the state PRO,, asking why the correspondent should speak with the PRO when he had already told the publication that the exco would not provide an answer to the question of why the chairman was delaying in conducting a state election for the chapter.

“I already told you that we will not tell you the reason for the delay in conducting the election because it is an issue with the national body. So, why did you go and speak with the PRO?” he asked. But when he was reminded that the PRO was the one constitutionally vested with the task of providing information to the public and not the auditor, he did not make further responses. 

Comrade Adeyemi, another member of the association who spoke to Lagos Today Extra!, said what majority of the members want is for the state to conduct an election so that a new exco can come onboard. “Let them conduct the election so that everything can go back to normal. Majority of us want the election to hold as soon as possible,” he said.

In the midst of all this, a general meeting has been hurriedly slated for January 17 and most people believe this was going to be a make-it-all or break-it-all meeting as issues bordering on the tenure elongation will top the agenda for discussion that day. For now, concerned members of the association do not believe the January 17 meeting will produce any positive outcome, seeing it as a plan hurriedly put in place to brainwash them into playing along with Mr Rotimi in the tenure elongation. 

As events unfold, the question on the lips of most observers is: Will the chairman listen to the voice of these concerned members and avert what many believe is an imminent implosion in the association or will he insist on holding onto that position? Events to come will determine where the tide swings to. Lagos Today Extra! will keep you posted. 

Read More

Braille Has Continued To Shape Inclusive Societies Across Generations And Continents - ESDI

As part of the activities marking this year’s World Braille Day, Empathetic Solutions for Disabilities Initiative (ESDI) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the promotion of Braille literacy, accessible education, and inclusive policies. 

In a press statement from the organization and signed by  its Executive Director, Clive Eyimearelu Otaigbe, ESDI  said it was joining the global community to commemorate World Braille Day, a day set aside to honour one of the most transformative inventions in human history—Braille—and to reaffirm the fundamental principle that literacy is a right, not a privilege.

, ESDI  noted that for millions of blind and visually impaired persons worldwide, Braille represents far more than a system of raised dots, adding that  it is a gateway to education, independence, self-expression, economic participation, and dignity. 

“Developed in the early 19th century by Louis Braille, who lost his sight at a young age, the Braille system revolutionized access to written communication for persons with visual impairments and continues to shape inclusive societies across generations and continents,” ESDI stated in the release.

It added that Louis Braille’s innovation, conceived at just 15 years of age, remains a powerful reminder that disability does not limit potentials, emphasizing that with the right tools and opportunities, persons with disabilities can thrive, lead, and contribute meaningfully to national development. 

“In Nigeria, Braille has played—and continues to play—a critical role in empowering blind and visually impaired citizens to pursue education, professional careers, and civic engagement.

“On this important day, ESDI reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the promotion of Braille literacy, accessible education, and inclusive policies. Through strategic advocacy, community-based programs, institutional partnerships, and public enlightenment, the Initiative works to ensure that Braille remains central to learning environments, public services, and information access across Nigeria,” it stated.

It further stated, “World Braille Day is not only a celebration; it is a call to action. ESDI urges policymakers, educational authorities, schools, families, and community leaders to prioritize inclusive education, invest in accessible learning materials, and uphold the rights of persons with visual impairments. An inclusive Nigeria is one where no one is left behind and where access to information is guaranteed for all.

“As we celebrate Braille, we celebrate resilience, equality, and the right of every visually impaired Nigerian to read, learn, grow, and lead.”

ESDI noted  that Braille changed the world and added that, through purposeful advocacy and action, it will continue to change lives.

 

Read More

World Braille Day: Literacy, Productivity And The Right To Read

Article By Ayoola Efunkoya

On World Braille Day, I find myself reflecting not only on what Braille means to me personally, but on what it continues to mean for blind people’s productivity, dignity, and full participation in society—especially in a rapidly digitising world.

Recently, I shared a radio news report of my coverage of the inaugural Annual General Meeting of the Alumni Association of the FCT School for the Blind. Alongside the link to the online story, I also shared the audio file of the report as broadcast on radio. The response was encouraging, but it came with an unexpected undercurrent of curiosity.

A number of people—some sighted, but strikingly more blind people—asked how I was able to read the script I recorded.

Did I memorise it?

Was I listening to my laptop with a screen reader and repeating what it said through an earpiece?

These questions revealed something unsettling: even within the blind community, the assumption that a blind journalist can simply read is no longer taken for granted.

So let me be clear. I Brailled my script. And I read it.

That simple fact opens a much bigger conversation—about literacy, efficiency, and why Braille remains indispensable in education, work, and public life.

Braille and Real Literacy

Braille is not an assistive add-on or a nostalgic tool from a pre-digital era. Braille is literacy. While screen readers and audio technologies are powerful and necessary, listening is not the same as reading.

Braille allows blind people to engage with text at the same depth as print readers: understanding spelling, punctuation, formatting, emphasis, and structure. These elements matter in journalism, law, education, science, administration, and policy work. They matter wherever precision and clarity are required.

Without Braille, blind people are often pushed into passive consumption of information. With Braille, we become active producers of knowledge.

Braille and Productivity Across Human Endeavour

Access to Braille significantly improves productivity and efficiency in many fields.

In journalism and media, Braille enables accurate script reading, editing, and fact-checking without reliance on audio playback speeds or repeated listening.

In education and academia, Braille supports deep reading, note-taking, examinations, mathematics, and scientific notation—areas where audio alone is insufficient.

In law and public administration, Braille allows blind professionals to review legal texts, draft documents, and navigate structured information with confidence.

In science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, Braille codes make equations, symbols, and data accessible in ways speech cannot fully replicate.

In music, theology, finance, and software development, Braille supports accuracy, speed, and independent verification of information.

Productivity is not just about access to information; it is about control over information. Braille provides that control.

Braille in Public Spaces and Everyday Life

Braille’s relevance extends well beyond professional settings. In inclusive societies, Braille is embedded into public infrastructure.

Braille belongs on:

Building directories and room numbers

Elevator buttons and floor indicators

Public restroom signage

ATM machines and payment terminals

Hospital and pharmacy labels

Transportation hubs—airports, train stations, and bus terminals

These features are not symbolic gestures. They enable independent navigation, privacy, safety, and efficiency. Where Braille is present, blind people move freely. Where it is absent, dependence is imposed.

Why Braille Is Still Struggling in Nigeria and Africa

Despite its proven value, Braille faces persistent challenges across Nigeria and much of Africa.

Policy implementation remains weak. Accessibility provisions exist on paper but are rarely enforced, particularly in public buildings and services.

Teacher training is inadequate. Many educators of the blind lack strong Braille proficiency themselves, leading to poor instruction and learner frustration.

There is an over-reliance on audio technology, often promoted as a replacement rather than a complement to Braille, reinforcing the false narrative that Braille is obsolete.

Braille materials and devices remain expensive and scarce, from slates and embossers to refreshable Braille displays.

Perhaps most concerning is a growing internalised bias—even among blind people—that Braille is difficult, outdated, or unnecessary.

What Needs to Change

The future is not a choice between Braille and technology. The future is integration.

Governments must enforce accessibility standards that mandate Braille in public infrastructure and invest in teacher training and local Braille production.

Educational institutions must treat Braille as foundational, especially for children and newly blind adults.

Technology developers must continue to embed Braille into digital ecosystems, not sideline it.

And blind people ourselves must reclaim Braille unapologetically—as a tool of power, not a burden.

A Living Legacy

Braille is a proper noun for a reason. It carries the legacy of Louis Braille, and it continues to evolve through digital formats, modern embossing, and refreshable Braille displays. Societies that understand its value ensure that innovation strengthens Braille rather than displacing it.

On this World Braille Day, the message is simple and urgent:

Braille is not the past.

Braille is not in competition with technology.

Braille is literacy, productivity, independence, and dignity.

As long as blind people continue to learn, work, report, and lead, Braille will remain essential—not just for us, but for any society that claims to value inclusion.

Ayoola Efunkoya is a Nigerian journalist and accessibility consultant.

 

Read More

Channel The New Tax Regime To The Empowerment Of Persons With Disabilities - CITAB Urges Federal Government

A clarion call has been made to the federal government to Channel the new tax regime to the empowerment of the entire disability community across Nigeria, including individuals with visual, hearing, mobility, cognitive, and psychosocial disabilities. The call is coming from the Center for Infrastructural and Technological Advancement for the Blind (CITAB), a disabilities-focused NGO based in Lagos.

This was contained in a statement released from CITAB and signed by its CEO, Comrade Jolomi George Fenemigho.  

The NGO commended the tax reforms for aiming to strengthen revenue collection and alleviate the tax burden on low-income earners but also noted that for these reforms to achieve true justice, a sizeable portion of the revenue from the new tax regime must be invested to empower the entire disability community across Nigeria.

CITAB highlighted the urgent need for specific tax revenue allocations to support social programs and initiatives that address the diverse needs of persons with disabilities. 

“Taxation is not solely about collecting resources, but about distributing them to uplift every citizen. We call on the government to ensure that a share of these funds meaningfully supports all Nigerians with disabilities, whether by subsidizing assistive devices, improving accessible infrastructure, or investing in inclusive education and employment,” the statement read in part.

It further added, “At present, essential tools such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, screen readers, communication devices, and accessible public transportation remain prohibitively costly or unavailable for many Nigerians with disabilities. CITAB believes that dedicating tax revenues to comprehensive government-backed subsidies and programs could help remove these barriers, opening the door to greater independence, opportunities, and participation for all.”

“To this end, Comrade Fenemigho outlined the following key recommendations for the implementation of the 2026 tax framework. Subsidization of Assistive Technologies Introduction of a dedicated fund, drawn from tax revenues, to make a wide range of assistive technologies both affordable and accessible, including mobility aids, hearing and visual devices, communication tools, and more.

“Exemption on Disability Related Imports Complete removal of Value Added Tax VAT and customs duties for all imported equipment, devices, and adaptive technologies designed for persons with any form of disability.

“Accessibility Compliance Across Public Services As government services and tax systems become increasingly digital and automated, it is critical that all platforms, facilities, and communication channels be designed with accessibility in mind for people with all types of disabilities. Incentives for Inclusive Employers Tax credits and.

incentives for companies providing accessible workplaces and demonstrating clear commitment to hiring and supporting persons with disabilities, regardless of their particular needs,” the statement read.

In conclusion, CITAB applauded the exemption of Nigerians earning ₦800,000 or less from personal income tax, but also implored the authorities to recognize the extraordinary cost of disability that millions of Nigerians face daily. “By dedicating tax revenues to inclusive support for all persons with disabilities, the government would be investing not only in fairness, but in unleashing the full potential of every Nigerian. We are ready to build and contribute when we have equitable access to the right resources,” it added.

 

Read More

Elumelu's Family Donates To Orphanages As End Of Year Charity

The family of business mogul, Tony Elumelu, has donated food items to orphanage homes across Lagos, Edo and Delta states as part of its end-of-year humanitarian outreach.

The donation covered six orphanages in Lagos State and three each in Edo and Delta states.

The exercise was flagged off in Lagos by the Chairperson of Avon Healthcare Limited, Awele Elumelu, at the Hearts of Gold Children Hospice in Surulere.

Speaking during the presentation on Saturday, Awele Elumelu thanked caregivers for their efforts in caring for vulnerable children despite prevailing economic challenges, urging more individuals to support such initiatives.

She said, “We thank God for this season, a season of joy and peace. We know it has not been easy. Things have been tough in 2025, but through your efforts and the support of others, you have been able to cope, and we thank God for you.

“As we go into a new year, we pray for more strength for you to continue the good work you are doing. We do our little bit, but we need more people to help. We pray for more helpers.”

She explained that the outreach was extended beyond Lagos to Delta and Edo states, noting that the needs of vulnerable children were not limited to any one part of the country.

“We can never do too much or do enough, but at least let us do what we can. The more you do, God will help you to do more,” she added.

Founder of the Hearts of Gold Children’s Hospice, Laja Adedoyin, expressed appreciation to the Elumelu family, saying previous support from the family had helped the facility remain operational amid rising costs.

According to her, the facility incurs daily medical expenses, including the cost of drugs and specialised care.

“God is taking care of these children, but He does so through the support we receive. You came in January, and what you have sown has helped us get to where we are today.

“We have in-house doctors and nurses. Daily, there are medical issues that require hospital care or care within the home. There is hardly a day we don’t have to buy medicine,” Adedoyin said.

She explained that the home is a specialised medical hospice rather than a conventional orphanage, catering for children with complex health conditions, including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other congenital disorders.

“We are not an orphanage; we are a hospice, a home for children with special needs, especially medical needs, some of my children have Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, myocephalus and other congenital abnormalities. Many of them live with multiple disabilities.

“These are the children people look at and want to look away from, but they are human beings, and they exist. I have heard people say such children don’t exist, but they do, and they are alive,” she stated.

Items distributed during the outreach included 1,730 bags of rice and 290 bags of beans, aimed at supporting vulnerable children and easing the burden on caregivers.

 

Read More

Wheelchair Basketballer Musibau Shittu Establishes Disabled Sports Academy In Lagos

Nigerian wheelchair basketball player Musibau Shittu has established a sports academy for young disabled athletes in Lagos, seeking to provide opportunities he lacked during his early career.

The FOLMUS  Disabled Sports Academy, based at the National Institute for Sports, supports athletes across various para-sports beyond wheelchair basketball.

“The academy is my way of giving back,” Shittu told reporters in Lagos.

“Sports changed my life, and I want others to experience the same.”

Shittu explained that many young disabled people face limited opportunities, as their families often struggle to support them or doubt that sports can provide a viable future.

“We don’t have an official office yet, but we train athletes and help them build confidence,” he said.

“One of our players even won two gold medals in badminton at the last West African Games held in Abeokuta.”

The academy operates with minimal funding, relying on Shittu’s personal income and small contributions from friends. According to him, “We do what we can. Even if I cannot give them much, I give them knowledge and support.”

He appealed to the Lagos State Government and corporate organisations to partner with the academy to expand training and competition opportunities for young disabled athletes.

“Many talented athletes remain undiscovered because Nigeria does not have a strong system for identifying and developing para-sports talent,” Shittu said. “With proper support, Nigeria can become a leader in Africa. We have the talent. We just need to invest in the future.”

Segun Bailey, a basketball player and gym instructor, currently serves as the academy’s manager.

 

Read More

Why We Included "PWDs Corner" As A Beat In Lagos Today Extra - Publishers

The management of Kimekwu Communications Concept, publishers of Lagos Today Extra!, has explained why it included “PWDs Corner” as a major beat in the publication, stressing that the decision was informed by the need to evolve a more inclusive societal participation and give everyone a sense of belonging in the Nigerian media space.

In a statement, the publishers noted with dismay that most general interest publications in Nigeria do not have a desk  solely dedicated to issues and news materials involving persons with disabilities (PWDs).

“Apart from a few broadcast media outlets, which allocate between 15 to 30 minutes of their time to weekly programmes on PWDs, most general interest print media organisations do not see the need to have a beat, even if it is weekly, dedicated to this most vulnerable subsect of the society. If at all you find such stories, they are mostly presented as minor stories embedded in other related beats. This is rather unfortunate because issues affecting persons with disabilities should be top of priority in any organized society and should be highlighted in a beat dedicated to them. There should be a desk, with an editor and reporters assigned for that purpose,” the statement read.

“It is in view of the above ugly realities, that we decided to dedicate a beat to the PWDs community, and give them a space in the media to amplify their voices,” the statement added.

According to the statement, the PWDs Corner in Lagos Today Extra will accommodate news items, articles, opinions, essays, interviews, events and other issues relating to persons with disabilities within and around Lagos. It advised clusters in the state to take advantage of the beat to amplify their voices and project issues affecting them up to the public consciousness.

The management also stated that there is a 50 percent discount of advert rates for products and services coming from the PWDs community. This, it said, would go a long way in projecting these products and services into the market and thus help in empowering entrepreneurs across the various clusters in the community.

Lagos Today Extra! is an online authoritative and premium grassroots publication with a variety of beats, including News. Sports, Entertainment, Business, Brands And Marketing, Politics And Policies, Governance Today, Christianity Today, Islam Today, Crime, Motoring Lagos amongst several others.

Lagos Today Extra! is the first general interest publication in Nigeria to be fully owned, operated and staffed by persons with disabilities. Its publisher and editor-in-chief, Dumbiri Frank Eboh, is a visually impaired journalist with over three decades of practice in the industry. 

 

Read More

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