From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Wife of former Oyo State Governor, Chief (Mrs) Oluwakemi Alao-Akala, has called on government and well-meaning Nigerians to urgently improve the welfare of visually impaired students, describing the current N300 daily feeding allowance as grossly inadequate.
The former First Lady, made the appeal during a humanitarian visit to the Nigeria Training Centre for the Blind and the Oyo State Special Basic School in Ogbomoso, where she fulfilled an earlier promise to support the institutions.
Speaking with journalists, Mrs Alao-Akala, explained that her visit was in line with a commitment she made during a previous engagement, particularly to assist the schools’ vocational unit.
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“The last time I was here, they requested support for the vocational department and I promised to provide uniforms. Today is simply a case of promise kept,” she said.
During the visit, she donated uniforms, liquid soap, beads, disinfectants and air fresheners to improve the students’ learning environment and daily living conditions.
She commended the students for their resilience and creativity, noting that their ability to acquire vocational skills despite their condition shows they can live independently.
“I have seen what they produce and sell. It clearly shows they can stand on their own. They possess skills that can help them live meaningful and independent lives,” she added.
Alao-Akala stressed that engaging the students in productive activities contributes to their emotional wellbeing and happiness.
“When they are busy, they are happy. You can see the joy on their faces. With these activities, they don’t have time for negative things,” she said.
She also expressed admiration for the quality of items produced by the students, revealing that she purchased a basket made by them and requested a customised bag.
Calling for increased public support, she urged Nigerians to regularly visit and assist institutions catering to persons with disabilities.
“People should come here from time to time to support them in whatever way they can. If they are happy, then everyone is happy,” she said.
She, however, raised concern over the feeding allowance, insisting that N300 per day is far below acceptable standards.
“What they receive is not encouraging. N300 per day is not enough for anyone. I appeal to the government to increase their allocation because their wellbeing matters to all of us,” she stressed.
Alao-Akala also recalled her late husband’s commitment to supporting vulnerable groups while in office, urging both government and citizens to sustain such efforts.
In her remarks, the Headmistress of the school, Mrs Oyedokun Olabimpe, appealed to parents to stop hiding children with disabilities and instead enrol them in schools where they can receive proper care and education.
“If you have a child with a disability, don’t keep them hidden. Bring them to Oyo State Special Basic School, Ogbomoso. These children are capable and deserve the opportunity to fulfil their potential,” she said.
Also speaking, a special educator, Mr Ogunleke Simeon, emphasised the need for early enrolment of children with special needs, warning that delays could hinder their development.
“We want to sensitise the public that such children should not be kept at home. When enrolled early, they can be trained in braille, typing and other academic activities just like their peers,” he said.
He added that vocational training at the institution dates back to 1958, while formal academic instruction for visually impaired learners began in 1977, following recognition of their educational potential.
