BY TIMOTHY AGBOR, OSOGBO
Members of the Nigeria Association of the Blind who are among the 1,500 primary and secondary teachers employed under the immediate past administration of Gboyega Oyetola in Osun State have begged incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke to rescind the executive order nullifying their appointments.
Numbering 61, the physically impaired Indigenes of the state, urged Adeleke to reinstate them and also employ more of the NBA members who are graduates and also qualified to contribute their quota to the growth of the state.
Speaking for the affected persons, one of the leaders of the association, Sunday Adedeji, noted that the joblessness of the sacked teachers has been worsening their condition.
Adedeji, who made this appeal while addressing other members of the association during this year’s White Cane Safety Day Celebrating at the School for the Special Needs, Osogbo, on Tuesday, said virtually impaired persons are ready to work hard if provided with the opportunity.
Adedeji, the chairman of the event’s planning committee, said, “We want to beg our amiable governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, to show mercy and reinstate our members who were part of the teachers sacked when he assumed office.
“Those affected are about 61 and ever since they have been disengaged, life has been tough for them. We are not happy that our people will be relieved of the work they are managing with at a time many of us who are graduates are still begging government and other stakeholders for employment opportunities.”
Meanwhile, Osun State Indigenes International United States of America Inc. has distributed 100 mobility canes to the association to aid their movements.
As part of activities marking the annual celebration which takes places every 15th of October, members of NBA in Osun State tackled their counterparts from Ondo State in a friendly football match.
The blind footballers played at the Osogbo City Stadium and the game ended 2-0 in favour of Ondo NBA.
Akinsola Adekunle, the Chairman of Osun NBA, urged the state government for support, empowerment and job creation.
He said, “The International White Cane Safety Day is a day we celebrate the achievements of blind or visually impaired people, while the white cane is the most important sign of blindness, an important mobility tool for such people as well as the symbol of their independence.
“This is also a day to urge members of the public to give the blind the needed support to enhance their living conditions and movements, especially in the public. We don’t want people to see us as beggars, rather, they should help us as fellow human beings and also give us necessary support to live well.”
