FORMER OYO FIRST LADY URGES GOVERNMENT TO SUPPORT VISUALLY IMPAIRED STUDENTS
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By: Fasasi Hammad
The wife of former Oyo State Governor, Oluwakemi Alao-Akala, on Wednesday described the N300 daily feeding allowance for visually impaired students in special schools as grossly insufficient, urging the government to review the provision urgently.
She made the appeal during a visit to the Nigeria Training Centre for the Blind and the Oyo State Special Basic School in Ogbomoso, where she donated materials to support the students.
Alao-Akala, on a humanitarian visit, noted that the current feeding allowance does not keep pace with the rising cost of food in the country.
“What they receive is hardly enough. N300 per day is insufficient for anyone. I appeal to the government to increase their allocation, as their well-being concerns us all,” she said.
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She explained that her visit was a fulfillment of a previous promise to support the schools’ vocational unit.
“During my last visit, they requested help for the vocational department, and I promised to provide uniforms. Today, I am keeping that promise,” she added.
Donated items included uniforms, liquid soap, beads, disinfectants, and air fresheners.
The former First Lady praised the students for their resilience and creativity, highlighting that their ability to learn vocational skills despite their challenges demonstrates their potential for independence.
“I have seen what they produce and sell. It clearly shows that they can stand on their own and lead meaningful lives,” she said.
Alao-Akala also emphasized the importance of keeping students engaged in productive activities, noting that it promotes their emotional well-being.
“When they are occupied, they are happy. You can see the joy on their faces,” she added.
She further called on Nigerians to support institutions for persons with disabilities through visits and donations.
Meanwhile, the school’s Headmistress, Oyedokun Janet Olabimpe, urged parents not to hide children with disabilities but to enrol them in special schools for proper care and education.
“If you have a disabled child at home, don’t keep them hidden. Bring them to us. These children are capable and deserve the opportunity to achieve their potential,” she said.
Additionally, special educator Ogunleke Simeon stressed the importance of early enrolment, warning that delays could hinder the development of children with special needs.
“When they are enrolled early, they can be properly trained in braille, typing, and other academic activities just like their peers,” he said, noting that vocational training at the institution began in 1958 and formal academic instruction for visually impaired students started in 1977.
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