From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The widow of former Governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Alao-Akala, Chief (Mrs.) Oluwakemi Alao-Akala, has called on Nigerians to cultivate a consistent culture of giving to the less privileged, stressing that physical disability must never be equated with inability.
She made the appeal during a humanitarian visit to the Nigeria Training Centre for the Blind and the Oyo State Special Basic School in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area of Oyo State.
As part of the outreach, Mrs. Alao-Akala donated food items and essential supplies, including bags of rice, beans and maize, kegs of palm oil, spaghetti, sanitary pads, cartons of toiletries, typing sheets and cardboard materials for learning.
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Describing the intervention as part of her monthly humanitarian efforts, she said she remains committed to supporting vulnerable groups within her capacity.
“I do things like this every month. I just like to make life a little easier for people. Any community, any association, anybody who needs help, I feel I should help everybody, even though it’s not always possible,” she said.
She explained that the school management had earlier submitted a list of urgent needs. According to her, plans are also underway to provide uniforms for the pupils after tailors take their measurements.
Reflecting on the legacy of her late husband, she noted that public office holders would ultimately be accountable for their stewardship.
“Whatever position we find ourselves in, at the end of the day, we are going to be accountable. God will ask us, what did you do when you were there?” she stated.
She also offered prayers for leaders across the country, acknowledging the demands of leadership and asking God to grant them wisdom to serve effectively.
Encouraging the visually impaired pupils, Mrs. Alao-Akala urged them to remain confident and speak positively about their future.
“They should confess positively about their situation. There is power in the tongue. When you speak positively, it works. Let us say every day, ‘God bless Nigeria, God bless Oyo State,’ and pray for our leaders,” she advised, urging women in particular to speak uplifting words over their homes and children.
Meanwhile, the Headmistress of the Oyo State Special Basic School, Mrs. Oyedokun Janet Olabimpe, appealed to the state government to increase funding to enable the institution adequately cater for its 82 primary pupils, many of whom reside in the boarding facility.
“Our pupils are in the boarding house, and some of them don’t have anybody to cater for them. It is only what the government provides that we use, and we are managing it,” she said.
She explained that managing a special school requires additional resources and specialised attention.
“You know you are dealing with visual impairments here. Their administration is quite different. How you direct and give attention to them is not the same as in regular schools,” she noted.
According to her, funds allocated to the school are often stretched thin due to minor projects and urgent needs, leaving little to fully meet the pupils’ requirements. She therefore urged the government to review the allocation upward.
Also speaking, a special educator at the school, Mr. Ogunleke Simeon, said the institution located within the same compound as the training centre, runs primary, secondary and vocational sections, with enrolment fluctuating between 80 and 98 learners.
“Our main objective is to train the visually impaired on how to read and write in Braille, type, use computers and navigate their environment safely. Some are also integrated into craft workshops where they learn skills with their hands,” he explained.
He added that the school admits both those born blind and those who lost their sight later in life.
“For those who became blind after going through primary or secondary school, all hope is not lost. They only need to learn Braille and typing. After that, they can register for examinations like WAEC and NECO under the visually impaired section,” he said.
Tracing the institution’s history, he noted that its vocational arm dates back to 1958, while the formal school for the blind was established in 1977 after the academic potential of some learners was discovered.
“Since then, we have produced graduates who now hold master’s degrees in Law, lecturers, teachers and self-employed professionals,” he said, reiterating that disability does not define ability.
Despite recorded successes, he lamented the high cost of specialised materials such as Braille machines, slates and stylus, guide canes and talking computer software. He also decried the abandonment of a three-classroom block left at lintel level for about 15 years.
On feeding, he revealed that the state government provides N300 per child daily for three meals, describing the amount as inadequate in the current economic climate.
“In the present economic situation, it is not enough. We appeal to philanthropists to support us with food items like rice, beans, spaghetti and palm oil to augment what government is providing,” he said.
He called on well-meaning Nigerians to invest in the future of the pupils.
“People should see this place as a mission ground where they can sow into the lives of these children. In the nearest future, they will be proud to see them become useful to themselves, their families and society at large,” he added.
