FNSB elects new officers, hosts donors

The Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind (FNSB) has elected new officers to pilot the affairs of the society at its 66th annual general meeting. 

The former Vice chairman of the society, Mrs. Arit Tunde-Imoyo, was elected as the chairman while Mrs. Oluyemisi Daramola assumed the position of the vice chairman in the new executive council for 2024/2025.

The election, which took place at the FNSB centre in Oshodi, Lagos, also witnessed Mr. Seyi Duggan retaining his position as honorary treasurer while the former chairman, Mr. Fusi Akinkugbe joined the executive council as member. Mrs. Ayopeju Njideaka, Chairman of BOG, Vocational Training Centre, Mr. Lanre Adebayo, Engr. Olugbolahan Sobande and Major Kehinde Danmole (rtd) all made the executive council.

Other members include Mr. I. A. Lawal, Dr. Mrs. Faderin-Omotosho, Mrs. Tunde Coker, Otunba Boye Ogunlaja, former commissioner for Education Lagos State, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, Engr. Woji Welli, Mrs. Izegbua Amusu, Rev., Goddie Isibor, and Ms. Kemi Onabanjo.

Prior to the 66th AGM, the society had held a thank you lunch for the donors to appreciate the support they have given to FNSB. 

At the donors’ lunch, the then chairman of Executive Council of FNSB, Mr. Akinkugbe said: “We felt it is important to say thank you to you, our donor, for all you have been doing for us and continue to do.

“We put this event together for the purpose of accountability. It is important to say thank you, but it is equally important to let you see the results of your support. Today, we will be sharing with you through a documentary and through direct testimonials from some of our past trainees how much we are able to achieve because of your support,” he stated.

Akinkugbe disclosed that support from donors can come in different forms- direct financial support, financial sponsorship of students’ school fees which is about N210,000 per student, or the full cost of maintenance; support in kind such as food items, payment for the repair and upgrade of facilities, critically needed equipment and more.

He, however, called on corporate organisations, government agencies and parastatals, good spirited Nigerians and others to support the blind to achieve their purpose in life through donations and support particularly financially.

The new chairman during her acceptance speech promised to build on what the previous administration has achieved and particularly to give adequate attention for the upgrade of the vocational training centre (VTC) for the blind as the society prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary next year.