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Ex-Oyo First Lady Champions Support for Visually Impaired Pupils

Published

2 weeks ago

February 25, 2026

Our Reporter

Calls for Collective Responsibility

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The widow of former Oyo State Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, Chief (Mrs) Oluwakemi Alao-Akala, has urged Nigerians to embrace a culture of consistent giving to the less privileged, insisting that physical disability should never be mistaken for inability.

She made the call during a humanitarian visit to the Nigeria Training Centre for the Blind and the Oyo State Special Basic School in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area of Oyo State.

During the outreach, Mrs Alao-Akala donated foodstuffs and essential supplies, including bags of rice, beans, maize, kegs of palm oil, spaghetti, sanitary pads, (cartons) toiletries, typing sheets and cardboard materials for learning.

While explaining that the gesture forms part of her routine monthly interventions, she said: “I do things like this every month. I just like to make life a little easier for people. Any community, any association, anybody who needs help — I feel I should help everybody, even though it’s not always possible.”

She disclosed that the school management had earlier forwarded a list of pressing needs. “Before I came, I got a list from them of what they needed, and we are here to do our bit. They need a lot of things, and whatever I can do, I will continue to do,” she said, adding that plans were underway to provide uniforms for the pupils after tailors take their measurements.

Reflecting on her late husband’s legacy, she noted that public office holders would one day give account of their stewardship before God. “Whatever position we find ourselves in, at the end of the day, we are going to be accountable. God will ask us, what did you do when you were there?” she said.

She also prayed for political leaders across the country, saying, “It’s a lot of work to lead. We have been there before. My prayer is that God will teach our leaders and give them wisdom. With our prayers, God will help them to deliver for the people.”

Addressing the visually impaired pupils, she encouraged them to remain confident and speak positively about their future. “They should confess positively about their situation. There is power in the tongue. When you speak positively, it works. Let us say every day, ‘God bless Nigeria, God bless Oyo State,’ and pray for our leaders,” she advised, urging women in particular to speak uplifting words over their homes and children.

Meanwhile, the Headmistress of Oyo State Special Basic School, Mrs Oyedokun Janet Olabimpe, appealed to the Oyo State Government to increase funding to enable the institution cater adequately for its 82 primary pupils, many of whom are on boarding facilities.

“Our pupils are in the boarding house, and some of them don’t have anybody to cater for them. It is only what the government provides that we use, and we are managing it,” she said.

She explained that running a special school requires additional attention and resources. “You know you are dealing with the visual impairments here. Their administration is quite different. How you direct and give attention to them is not the same as in regular schools,” she noted.

According to her, funds allocated to the school are often stretched thin due to minor projects and urgent needs. “The money given to us cannot cover everything. Whenever we have little projects to execute, we still have to withdraw from the same allocation. That is why it is not enough to cater for the pupils,” she said, pleading with government to review the allocation upward.

A special educator at the school, Mr Ogunleke Simeon, said the institution, located within the same compound as the training centre, runs primary, secondary and vocational sections with a population fluctuating between 80 and 98 learners.

“Our main objective is to train the visually impaired on how to read and write in Braille, type, use computers and navigate their environment safely. Some are also integrated into craft workshops where they learn skills with their hands,” he said.

He explained that the school admits both those born blind and those who lost their sight later in life. “For those who became blind after going through primary or secondary school, all hope is not lost. They only need to come and learn Braille and typing. After that, they can register for examinations like WAEC and NECO under the visually impaired section,” he stated.

Tracing the history of the institution, he noted that its vocational arm dates back to 1958, while the formal school for the blind was established in 1977 after discovering the academic potential of some young learners.

“Since then, we have produced graduates who now hold master’s degrees in Law, lecturers, teachers and self-employed professionals,” he said, stressing that “disability is not inability. There is ability in every disability.”

Despite the successes recorded, he lamented the high cost of specialised materials such as Braille machines, slates and stylus, guide canes and talking computer software. He also decried an abandoned three-classroom block left at lintel level for about 15 years.

On feeding, he revealed that the state government provides N300 per child daily for three meals. “In the present economic situation, it is not enough. We appeal to philanthropists to support us with food items like rice, beans, spaghetti and palm oil to augment what government is providing,” he said.

He called on well-meaning Nigerians to see the institution as fertile ground for investment in human capital. “People should see this place as a mission ground where they can sow into the lives of these children. In the nearest future, they will be proud to see them become useful to themselves, their families and the society at large,” he added.

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US Warns of Possible Terror Attacks on Facilities, Schools in Nigeria

Published

2 days ago

March 10, 2026

Our Reporter

The United States Embassy in Nigeria on Monday issued a security warning to its citizens about a possible terrorist threat targeting US facilities and American-affiliated schools in the country, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

In a security alert published on its official website, the embassy advised American citizens in Nigeria to exercise increased caution.

The advisory urged US nationals to remain vigilant, especially when visiting US diplomatic missions and schools affiliated with the United States.

According to the notice, “The US Embassy in Abuja informs US citizens of a possible terrorist threat against US facilities and US-affiliated schools in Nigeria.”

“The Embassy recommends that US citizens take additional precautions when travelling to the US Embassy, the US Consulate General in Lagos, and US-affiliated schools, including varying their travel times and routes,” the statement added.

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War: ‘We’ll Respond Accordingly’ – Turkey Warns Iran Over Continued Missile Attacks

Published

2 days ago

March 10, 2026

Our Reporter

By Fabian

Turkey has warned that it will take decisive action to defend its territory following what it described as a recent ballistic missile incident involving Iran.

In a statement, Turkey’s Defence Ministry said the country is prepared to take all necessary measures to address any threat to its territorial integrity.

The warning came after a ballistic missile reportedly launched from Iran was intercepted after entering Turkish airspace.

The Defence Ministry noted that Turkey values maintaining strong relations with its neighboring countries and remains committed to preserving stability in the region.

However, the ministry stressed that Ankara would respond swiftly and firmly to any threat targeting its land or airspace.

“We want to make it clear that we will take strong and immediate action against any threat directed at our country’s territory and airspace,” the statement said.

The ministry also urged all parties to take Turkey’s warnings seriously, adding that doing so would serve the interests of regional peace and security.

Last week, Turkey claimed that Iran had fired a missile toward its territory, though Iran’s military authorities denied the allegation.

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Akpabio Urges Responsible Leadership as Senate Adjourne Plenary Again

Published

2 days ago

March 10, 2026

Our Reporter

By Hassan Taiye

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday called on lawmakers to remain guided by faith, duty and the collective aspirations of Nigerians as the Senate resumed plenary after a brief adjournment.

Speaking at the National Assembly in Abuja, Akpabio noted that while the legislature had temporarily adjourned to allow committees carry out important legislative assignments, the life of a nation and the expectations of its citizens never pause.

He observed that across the country, Nigerians have continued their daily struggle to build, labour, hope and endure, stressing that lawmakers must return to their responsibilities with renewed commitment as custodians of the people’s trust and stewards of their welfare.

The Senate President also paid tribute to the late Senator Barinada Mpigi, who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District, describing his death as a painful loss to the Senate and the nation.

Akpabio said the late lawmaker served the National Assembly with dedication and remained committed to the welfare of his constituents and the ideals of democratic governance.

According to him, Senator Mpigi was known for his calm strength, cooperative spirit and unwavering commitment to the legislative process.

He extended condolences on behalf of the Senate to the family of the deceased, the government and people of Rivers State, and the people of Rivers South-East Senatorial District whom the late senator served with diligence.

The Senate President also reflected on the significance of the sacred seasons of Ramadan and Lent, noting that both periods represent moments of deep spiritual reflection for Muslims and Christians respectively.

He commended Muslim faithful across the country for their devotion during Ramadan, describing the fasting period as an exercise in discipline, self-denial, reflection and submission to the will of God.
Akpabio said the lessons of Ramadan—patience, humility, charity and compassion—are virtues that Nigeria urgently needs in both public and private life.
He also noted that Christians are observing Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, fasting and repentance ahead of Easter, which commemorates the suffering, sacrifice, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
According to him, both religious seasons highlight the importance of discipline before God and compassion towards fellow citizens, values he said are necessary for building a stronger and more united nation.

Akpabio stressed that representation remains central to democracy, describing it as a covenant between the people and those elected to speak on their behalf.
While acknowledging the growing influence of social media in amplifying public voices, he noted that democratic institutions remain the appropriate avenue for resolving national issues.

He said while social media may raise alarms on issues affecting citizens, institutions such as the Senate must provide practical solutions through legislation and policy.

The Senate President therefore urged Nigerians to engage their elected representatives and channel their concerns through democratic institutions so that grievances can be transformed into policy actions.

Akpabio also highlighted the importance of the national budget, describing it as a critical instrument through which the aspirations of Nigerians are translated into public policy.
“A budget is more than figures on paper; it is a declaration of national intention,” he said.
According to him, the budget reflects the country’s priorities and determines where public resources are directed to support development and improve the welfare of citizens.
He expressed hope that Senate committees had exercised diligence in reviewing the budget to ensure it reflects the yearnings of Nigerians across different sectors of the economy.
Call for Unity and Purpose
The Senate President acknowledged that Nigeria faces significant challenges but expressed confidence that the country can overcome them through courage, determination and responsible leadership.
He urged lawmakers to ensure that public resources are deployed to promote development, strengthen institutions, expand opportunities and improve the lives of citizens.

Akpabio also called on senators to conduct their legislative responsibilities with dignity, seriousness and patriotism.
He concluded by expressing hope that the spiritual lessons of Ramadan and Lent would inspire lawmakers to work together for the peace, unity and prosperity of Nigeria.
“Let us debate with vigour but act with wisdom. Let us differ in opinion but remain united in our duty to the Republic,” he said.