Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Renowned philanthropist and founder of G.U.O motors, Sir Godwin Okeke, has described as poor the attention towards the development of persons with disabilities in the South-East.
He intensified calls for increased education and support for the group he described as less privileged to enable them unlock their potential to survive in the society.
Okeke made the call at an annual get-together celebration organised by the youth wing of the Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB), Anambra State Chapter. The event was held at Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS), Onitsha, witnessing impressive show of skills and talents of the group in diverse areas.
Speaking at the event, Okeke, a grand patron of the blind students association, accused affluent individuals, particularly politicians in the region, of being selfish and looking after personal gains, instead of helping humanity.
He said despite the South-East region boasting abundance of wealthy personalities, only very few are interested in helping the poor, the vulnerable and downtrodden to unlock their potentials to thrive.
“Many of the rich and political leaders are not in touch with the reality of the less privileged. They do not understand the challenges they face, and as a result, they do not provide the necessary support and resources to help them overcome these challenges.”
Okeke who said he birthed the association in 1991 to encourage and support bright blind youths and others, regretted that despite their challenges in the world the elites have often neglected and excluded them from opportunities that could help them improve their lives.
“We formed the blind students association as far back as 1991 in Onitsha here when Anambra and Enugu still shared one state. Since then, we have been paying their school and training fees. Some of them that are very intelligent and whose parents are poor, we give scholarships. Today, some of them are lawyers, doctors, engineers, lecturers in different higher institutions. Most of their ladies and young men are all married with children.
“Persons with visual impairment need assistance in their education, in job opportunities, even some of them doing private businesses need funds. But the problem we are having with our people is that we are not encouraging them. Our so-called big men and politicians only look for a place where they can make immediate profit.
“As christians, we have to learn to help others; seeing somebody who has a problem as yours attracts favour from God. I have been enjoying those blessings with my wife for the past 50 years. A lot of people have tried to fight me in one way or the other but have never succeeded.”
Okeke commended the Anambra State government for the continued employment and support of the disability community. He urged the governor to do more to help youths with visual impairment as there is still ability in every disability.
Earlier, Comrade Chibuzor Obierika, Coordinator of NAB Youth Wing in Anambra State, emphasised the importance of empowering youths with visual impairment to break through societal barriers. He said the event’s theme, “Vision Beyond Sight: Defying Societal Pre-destinations,” reflects the goal of promoting empowerment, resilience, and excellence.
Obierika also commended the Anambra state government for its commitment to inclusivity, citing funds approved for education, empowerment, and skill development, as well as the employment of over 50 persons with disabilities into the state civil service.
In his presentation, a visually impaired legal luminary, Hon Eloka Obi, tasked visually impaired students and youths to take charge of their future and not see their situation as a limitation. He emphasised that self-discrimination is the worst form of discrimination and encouraged them to work hard, define their own future, to unlock their potentials.
Similarly, Prof Chigozie Ifeadike, a staff of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, inspired them to strive for success, emphasising that true vision goes beyond physical sight. She encouraged them to cultivate resilience, determination, and a strong work ethic, and to prioritise education and self-development as the key to transforming their lives.
The get-together showcased the impressive talents of students with visual disabilities, as it featured a computer exposition, musical performances, and news casting demonstrations. The presentations highlighted the immense potential of the students, illustrating that vision goes beyond physical sight.
