Vision impaired persons in Edo state under the aegis of Nigeria Association of the Blind, Thursday, lamented financial stress arising from their disability.
The group also appealed to Governor Godwin Obaseki to approve the continuation of bursary grant in every academic year to assist their institutions of learning.
The association alternately sought for free education for members because according to them, “Education is the best thing that can ever happen to any human being irrespective of his physical stature”.
Chairman of the association, Mr. Nosa Osemwota, made the appeal during an event to mark “Visual Impaired Persons” Day in Benin City, Edo state.
According to him, “We plead with the blind persons who are still in school to take their education seriously.
“We appeal to his Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki, to make the education for the blind absolutely free, including books, tuition, and boarding fees, as it is obtainable in some neighbouring states.”
The association said: “We beseech the state government to give us a building to be used as the secretariat of the association from where our official work can be carried out.
“The state government should also help us setup a rehabilitation centre for the blind where the blind could learn handicrafts, animal production, playing of musical instruments.
“We appeal to the state government to make the school for the blind at Ivbiore, Benin City a boarding school to enable blind pupils from other local government areas in Edo State to have a good basic education.”
