The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has stated that his administration will continue to support the state’s blind, visually impaired, and other people with disabilities by giving them the tools and surroundings they need to prosper and live full lives.
Obaseki made the promise in remembrance of World Braille Day in 2023, marked by the UN and its sister organizations with the theme “Reaching blind and visually impaired persons.”
The governor urged young people to use their innovative potential to create more assistive technologies in order to increase access and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities while also reiterating the state government’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all Edo residents.
“We join the rest of the world in honoring Louis Braille’s lasting contributions and the profoundly positive effects his innovation has had on the lives of blind and visually impaired people worldwide.
“We are committed to removing the obstacles in their path since we are aware of the special difficulties that the blind, visually impaired, and other people with disabilities encounter in navigating society.
We are creating a more inclusive and equitable society in Edo State. The information, materials, and assistance that the blind and visually impaired need to thrive are all available to them. For those who rely on such assistive technologies to engage fully in society, this entails making them available.
In urging young people to use cutting-edge technologies to enhance accessibility and the quality of life for the blind and other people with disabilities, Obaseki said, “As the next generation of leaders and innovators, it is up to you, the youths, to harness the potential of technology and use it to improve the lives of those around you, including the blind and other people with disabilities.
“I encourage you to take advantage of your innovative capabilities and the government incentives provided to boost technology and innovation to develop innovative solutions that will help visually impaired people and other people with disabilities to fully participate in society.”
He further added, “We believe in your creativity and are here to help you turn your ideas into a reality, including assuring access to funds, mentorship, or resources. Whether it is through the building of accessible websites and apps, or the development of new assistive technologies.