Monday, 2 August 2021
Wednesday, 28 July 2021
Thursday, 22 July 2021
Wednesday, 21 July 2021
RIFTB COURTESY VISIT ADDRESS ON THE PLATEAU STATE DISABILITY RIGHTS COMMISSION: Chairperson, Plateau State Disability Rights Commission, Hon. Kyennan Mizim, Distinguished Members of this honourable Commission, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, All other protocols duly observed: We count this a rare opportunity appearing before this Commission this day, the 16th day of July, 2021, to speak and to advice on issues we know too well. While still basking on the euphoria of your inauguration earlier in the week by the State governor, Right. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, it is important we thank God for making such a day like this a reality. At last, we can rejoice and celebrate that our very own person is now in charge of the Commission; a person who can clearly identify with the daily pains of persons with disabilities in Plateau State, who, herself is equally differently enabled; a round peg in a round hole; whose appointment is very much in line with international best practices, “Nothing about us without us.” On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Redemption International For The Blind, staff and management, I congratulate you once again on your well deserved appointment. We are very proud of your appointment, and we wish you well as you strive to distinguish yourself as an achiever and a goal getter on behalf of the PWDs in the State. The problems facing your Commission may be numerous, but they are not beyond you. They may alarm you at first glance, but if only you can remain calculated and heed to good advice, you will excel and overcome them all. These problems and challenges may have lingered for so long, but I can assure you that solutions abound as well for almost all of them. Why am I this confident; you may want to ask? Because you have for long been in this community, and I am persuaded beyond doubt that you know your community too well. All of us are wearing these shoes of disability, though of different categories, yet, we all can attest as to where it pinches us the most. I am sure that no one expects you to perform any magic, as in being able to meet all the challenges of the PWDs in the State within this your first tenure, but you should be seen to be doing your very best for your community; for your overall performance in the next 2 years would indeed go a long way in charting your political future after this appointment. It is our sincere prayer that you go far beyond this current appointment, but you must do all in your power to stand out. Hon. Chairperson, Remember, “Leaders are born, not made.” First, please work hard to reconcile the disabled community in the State. Lots of rifts exist among them. Let us resolve our differences, and with one mind and one voice, jointly pursue a common cause aimed at total liberation and emancipation of the PWDs in the State from the chains and shackles of dependency and despondency. Next, please work to create employment opportunities for the PWDs in the State. Our people are today on the streets begging because they are poor and hungry. Most of our graduates remain out of gainful engagement. Please avail yourself of the provisions of Section 29 of the Nigerians With Disabilities Act of 2018, which mandates all employers of labour in public organization to have, at least, 5% of their workforce constituted by persons with disabilities. We are more than happy to initiate this process if asked to so do. It is indeed most disheartening to hear that only 10 blind persons are currently under State government employment. This is most unacceptable. Please help put food on the tables of the PWDs in the State. Bring in improved technological gadgets for enhanced mobility and work. Improve on existing infrastructure, and above all, without fear or favour, please help enforce the Nigerians with Disabilities Act of 2018 in the State, in paripassu with the Plateau State Disability Law of 2005. Putting up the right mechanism that can monitor, implement and enforce these laws would indeed be a major game changer for the Commission, and believe you me, persons with disabilities in the State would have you to thank forever. And just like the governor said during your inauguration: “Let’s think Plateau, and act Plateau.” Hon. Chairperson, The Covid-19 pandemic has adversely affected our people; please find them palliatives to help mitigate the effects. You must lead them in the right direction, and help restore hope and laughter in their lives. More than ever before, the Plateau State disabled community needs a Messiah to take them to the promised land, and here is a golden opportunity for you to shine and distinguish yourself. May you find grace to excel. We stand ready to collaborate and partner with your Commission in every aspect as it touches persons with disabilities in the State. We shall not withhold our candid opinion and advice whenever we are called upon to so do. We remain at your service. May God richly bless and prosper your tenure in office, Amen. Sunny Ezurike, )Intl President) RIFTB.
COURTESY VISIT ADDRESS BY RIFTB ON IGWE NDI-IGBO OF JOS, HRH, PROF. JOSEPH OBILOM, MAY, 2021: COURTESY VISIT ADDRESS: We are deeply excited at this rare golden opportunity granted us by you Sir, to pay you a courtesy visit aimed at introducing ourselves and our Non-governmental organization, Redemption International For The Blind to you. Thanks a million for this opportunity, and we do not take it for granted Sir. We are a charity registered both in Portugal and in Nigeria to help fight against global book famine which has greatly inhibited the education of the Blind and the Visually Impaired worldwide. Most of us who go to school begin and graduate from school without reading a single textbook in accessible format. This has meant general low academic performance for most Blind people. This is indeed what we seek to rectify, to ensure that published textbooks are converted into accessible formats for the Blind and the Visually Impaired, either in braille, audio or electronic, so we can easily access, on an equal basis with other members of the society, in real time, knowledge and information as buried in published works, for enhanced sound and quality education. The truth is that most of these facilities needed to achieve this project are highly capital intensive, which we cannot on our own afford to purchase without external support from such philanthropists and lovers of humanity and education like you; hence, this courtesy visit to appeal to you Sir for your generous financial support towards the practical realization of our project. Though humanity is now terribly broken, and so many of us no longer know what it means to show love to the less privileged ones in our society, we are here today to appeal to your conscience to please kindly use your good offices to help drive our good vision forward. We desperately need your kind support Sir. On the 15th day of May, 2021, we held an event at Crest Hotel, to help fundraise for the establishment of an automated Braille Press and online digital library for the Blind here in Jos, Plateau State. Sir, We recognize your tight schedule was partly responsible for your absence at our event. Notwithstanding, our needs are numerous as highlighted in the booklet we’ve just presented to you. The Embosser we crave for alone costs over 65 million, among other pressing needs. We will appreciate your kind intervention in whichever way possible Sir. We count on your support please! Thank you Sir for the audience! Sunny Ezurike, President, Redemption International For The Blind. E-mail: riftb.riftb@gmail.com Tel: +351934799647 +2348067038881. W: https://riftb.org
Redemption international for the Blind: RIFTB VISITS THE PLATEAU STATE DISABILITY RIGHTS C...: https://plateaunewsonline.wordpress.com/2021/07/17/rifb-appeals-for-the-enforcement-of-nigerians-with-disabilities-act-into-law /
OFFICIAL REPORT ON RIFTB RADIO SHOW AT PRTV: REPORT ON THE RADIO SHOW AT P.R.T.V On the 17th of June, 2021, redemption International For The Blind was hosted on a radio show at P.R.T.V . station, Jos, Plateau State. The show which is called Good Morning Plateau runs everyday from 9am to 10am, and is anchored by Nene Dung. Three members of Redemption International For the Blind were on the radio show, in the person of The President, Barrister Sunny Ezurike , The Executive Director, Mr Ayuba Isah Waziri,and The Counsellor, Awashima Atu. During the program , the presenter asked the staff of Redemption International all about the NGO and their objectives which were carefully articulated and presented by the representatives of RIFTB. Midway into the show ,the phone lines were opened and different people called in. Clarifications were sought by callers on what the NGO does, where they are located in Jos, among others. Many more praised the good work of the NGO as well founded cause that urgently deserves kind interventions from the government and the public. Contributing to the show , The staff of Redemption International called on the general public, corporate bodies, CSOs, philanthropists, and the Government to come and support their noble cause.
COURTESY VISIT ON RIFTB BY AFRICARE PEACE INITIATIVE: REPORT ON A COURTESY VISIT BY AFRICARE PEACE INITIATIVE 31-05-2021 BY 12: 16PM. The meeting started with a word of prayer by Tinju Samson, followed by the introduction of staff and guest. Among the staff present include: Bulus Ibrahim, Mobilization officer; Awashima Atu, Counsellor; Badung Sunday, Admin and Finance; Tinjul Samson, Project officer; Patience Bitrus, Clerical officer; Shakum Naantuam Harrison, Secretary; Ayuba Isa Waziri, Executive Director; and Barr. Sunny Ezuirike, the President of the organisation. The guests include: Joy Ibrahim Galadima (admin officer), Joy Yakubu (media and counselling team), Lilly Emmanuel (media), kefas manga (project officer) and Racheal Nicogirma the executive director of Africare peace initiative. The director of the organization (Africare initiative) Miss Recheal express her delight to visit, she said the reason for the visit is to establish relationship as the motto of their group is to show care, to see how both organizations can work together. She added that both groups can work together and help each other as their organization is aimed at collaboration on projects and execution of such projects. Miss Joy Yakubu added that it is interesting to be here with as it is a different experience entirely from what is perceived out there. Miss Lilly lament on how a lot of people out there lack the insight of seeing the bigger picture when it comes to the blind, as a lot of people don’t understand the blind. She suggest that understanding will help in project orientation and effective contribution of the blind in national building. The president of redemption international for the blind, Barr. Sunny Ezurike thanked the visitors for the courtesy visit and expressed his joy for having them around. The Executive director of redemption international for the blind in the person of Mr Ayuba Isa Waziri welcomed the visitors as well. He expressed his delight in their visit and hopes they bring. He gave the mission and vision of the organization. And he stressed that the blind are people who can contribute meaningfully to the society and the reason for the foundation of the organization. To assist and rehabilitate the blind who are lacking in education and academic pursuit due to lack of learning materials. He welcomed them ones more and told them that they are in the right place, as the worst hit among people with disabilities is the blind. He said the blind doesn’t want pity but support. They are the smartest yet the most abused across different cultures and religion. He revealed that one of the causes of blindness now is diabetes as the number of blind is increasing every day. He lamented that apart from Gindiri School for the blind, there is no other school for the blind in the state, not even a government established one. Mr. Badung commended the visitors for their zeal and passion. He told the guests that redemption international for the blind is aim at restoring hope and respect for the blind. He said hopes have been shattered due to inaccessibility of study materials for the blind starting from the kindergarten to the university. The president of redemption international for the blind Barr. Sunny Ezurike thanked the guest for taking out time to pay the organization a visit. He points out among his staff are people who were sighted but for some reasons they are now blind. He said that blindness is a condition that can be contacted at any time but what is important is the ability to quickly lift such people up as soon as it occurs. The president showed our guests a brail book, and asked if anyone amongst them could read it. He gave them the organizations’ hand book which is written in print and told them that he produced the hand book. He lamented that though he produced the book in that original source using his computer, yet he and any other blind person cannot read it until it is produced in braille, or indeed, any other accessible format to the blind. In the school setting, the blind students buy their books and other study materials in a format most inaccessible to them; yet, they end up being judged on the same standards with their sighted colleagues. What an injustice? The blind man is highly gifted but with little or no materials to help them maximize their potentials, there can be no magic that will make it any less difficult for them to function effectively in the society. He express his joy and told the guests how happy he is to engage with them and whatever project they intend to carry out with the organization. The director of Afripeace initiative thank the president of redemption international for the blind for having them. She said that the need for social media is very important. She said they use their platforms to create awareness for people to assist in different ways they can as they have helped few people through that. She express her displeasure on how the government and corporate organizations neglected the visually impaired. She encourage everyone to be strong and persistent in the quest and promise to use their social media platforms to support the course of the visually impaired. Lastly she express how delighted she is to align with the organization. She concluded by thanking the organization for having them. The high point of the visits was the taking of pictures and chit chats amongst both organizations. The meeting ended by 1: 43pm.
OFFICIAL REPORT ON A COURTESY VISIT TO PFN, JOS, NIGERIA: Report on the visit to the Pentecostal fellowship of Nigeria (PFN). We arrived at the venue on the 14th day of June, 2021, by 11 46am. We met the leadership of the group having a meeting with the congress. We were asked to wait until 12: 34pm, around which time we were ushered in to give our presentation in five minutes. Together with his team of staff, the president redemption international for the blind swung into action on the essence of the visit. The president gave a presentation on the goal, mission and vision of redemption international for the blind. In his words: “Our goal is simple, working towards and inclusive and an accessible world, where no one is left behind, digitally, educationally, economically, socially and politically.” “We are working to raise the living standard of the Blind and the Visually Impaired, not just in this State, but throughout the Nation.” The president of RIFTB further notes that: “RIFTB stands for an all-inclusive educational system where the Blind and the Visually Impaired can have access to all his study materials, including textbooks in accessible formats, either in braille, audio or electronic, so he can study on an equal basis with the other members of his class.” He portray the importance of the organization to the blind and the community at large in his presentation. The president appealed to the PFN members to collaborate and support the vision of the organization. According to the president: “Our message here today is very simple: no one person is immuned from disability. Today is my turn, tomorrow, it could be another person. With the rise in banditry and their likes, comes an increase in the number of persons with disabilities in our society.” He observes as follows: “There are those who cannot read without glasses; there are also those who cannot drive without glasses; and as we advance in age, our eyesight dims, and completely fades with time.” The president advices that: “Blindness is, and shall remain a part of our society. The best we can do is to accept this fact, own it as a societal problem, and jointly come together to find a soft landing for those, who without a choice of their own, end up becoming blind. Such persons can be counselled, rehabilitated, and equipped with various skills, academically and vocationally, so they remain relevant in the society, not just to themselves, but also to the larger community.” The organization's flyers where shared to the clergymen. Some asked questions on what the organization wants. In response to that the president said the organization wants support in cash and in collaboration. Collaboration to spread the good news about redemption international for the blind in their churches and the communities. The chairman Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria Jos branch Rev.Dr. Steve Dangana appreciated the organisation for coming. He praised a staff of the organization Mr Badung Sunday for his hard work and dedication in church for the past eighteen years. He told the congress how useful Badung Sunday used to be before he got blind. The chairman urge all members to join the great course and support the organization and serve humanity. In his prayers bishop S.I. Academe thank God for the life of the founder and president of redemption international for the blind. He prayed to God to provide all that is needed to actualize the project. He also prayed that the good work attracts helpers all over the world. The visit was concluded with some photos to mark the eventful day a success. The visit ended by 1:30pm
OFFICIAL REPORTS ON ADDITIONAL EVENTS BY RIFTB: REPORT ON EVENTS: OUTINGS THAT TOOK PLACE FROM 5 to 26 June 2021 A VISIT TO HIGHLAND RADIO STATION ON TUESDAY AND SATURDAY (5 and 8 of June 2021) Program: society for all. A program where issues of people with disabilities are discuss. Presenter: Joshua Yanle Date: Tuesday 8 June 2021 The program started with the introduction of the show. The topic for that day was; available organizations in Nigeria that assist persons with disability in Nigeria. The presenter introduce the guest of the show in person of barrister Sunny Ezurike (the founder redemption international for the blind, and African blind leadership forum). The president and founder of those two organizations was asked to introduce himself. In his introduction he stated that apart from every other thing about him he is also visually impaired. He answered the question why the initiative as such. “African blind leadership forum is a continental organization having its headquarters in Accra Ghana, it is an organization which advocate for the blind as they are the most marginalized persons leaving with disability, speaking out on human right and abuses, and violation against the blind and visually impaired. Redemption international for the blind on the other hand is an international organization existing in Portugal with its board of trustees and having a functional office in Nigeria, plateau state, Jos, behind Airforce base Shaka no f51. Its activities includes: audio recording of books, mobility training, teaching brail, converting textbooks and handouts into accessible format amongst many others”. The presenter asked about the success story of the organization. According to the president the association have achieve quite a lot. Despite the fact it’s still a young organization it was able to make impact on the lives of the blind students. In terms of advocacy, two persons where assisted to get their rights back and lead a normal live. The organization have started recording books in audio format and student can access them. Students can also bring their handouts for recording free of charge. Some blind students of university of Jos were presented typewriters, visits and rapport among many others. “There was a program you had in crest hotel on May 15 2021, can you tell us more about the program” asked the presenter. The program was a lunching and fund raiser, it was organized to raise money for the purchase of an automated brailing machining and establishment of an online library for the blind. People can assess the services of the organization through the physical office at F51 Shaka zone behind Airforce base Jos. Or through the website www.riftb.org. the challenges of the organization include funding and the president is appealing to well-meaning Nigerians to key into his vision and make lives easy for people living with disability. The organization is partnering with lots of other sister organizations and is hoping to partner with the government to provide the services all over the country. The program ended with the presenter thanking the president and appealing to people and corporate organizations to assist in funding or donations of materials for the organization to serve properly. On Saturday Program: highland profile; discussing disability matters, with reference to persons with visual impairment. Presenter Ivey Ulu. Date: 5th June 2021 Guest: Barr. Sunny Ezurike (human right lawyer and founder redemption international for the blind) and Mr. Ayuba Isa Waziri (the executive director redemption international for the blind) Presenter asked, what is the general concept of persons with disabilities, what is the current state of persons with disability in Nigeria. Barr. Answered “ there is some kind of improvement base on the fact that there is a commission and an act that provides lots of rights to people living with disabilities”. On the part of the government, it has not been adequate as several challenges have not been addressed. The government is approaching disability issues from the medical view according to the president. Mr. Ayuba, in his reaction, stated that “what the disable need is assistance to improve and be well, and he urged well meaning citizens to show them love not sympathy as they always do.” The presenter asked what are those challenges that people with disabilities face? Barr. Answered “coming from the visually impaired view having been blind myself I will say book famine. Inaccessibility of published books which is hindering blind literacy. For those who cannot walk, lack of ramps or elevators to government and even corporate buildings, and other facilities and services that are open to the public. To Mr Ayuba, is there awareness on people living with disability? He responded that at some point there is but is not adequate enough to reach everyone to change their attitude towards persons with disability. A lot of people sees the disabled to be liabilities. The Barr. Added that the government need to do more on that aspect. The Barr. Lamented that the disable are not really united on their own, there have been rift amongst the persons living with disabilities in the country. The presenter ask the director redemption international for the blind about the initiative. The director spilled out the objectives, vision and mission of the initiative he went further to say that the organization have been in Jos since 2019 but due to the pandemic it could not function effectively in 2020. Calls came in amongst callers is radio Mama who was not happy with government making policies but don’t implement. She also asked Barr. How he coped during his school days. He responded that he relied only on handout, he record some of them if he find someone to help him, brail if he find someone to read. The program ended with the pair appealing to the government, religious leaders, corporate organizations to support the project. A VISIT TO THE BLIND COMMUNITY AT UNIVERSITY OF JOS PLATEAU STATE On Saturday 26-06-2021 we organized a pally with the blind students at village hostel university of Jos. It was a memorable event as both teams had a wonderful time full of high point which include; praises, questions and answers, information on life changing opportunities. The event was schedule for 12.00pm but started slightly late. The event started with an opening prayer by the students followed by the directors welcoming speech. The director welcome all student and appreciated them for honoring the invitation to be part of that event. He told them about the presence of the international president and founder of redemption international for the blind. The main purpose of the event is for the president to interact with the students and enlighten them on the opportunities redemption international can and will offer to them if the key into the vision of the organization. The president started his interaction by welcoming everyone. He asked everyone to be on his feet to worship God for his goodness in our lives. In his speech the president highlighted the vision, mission and what the organization represent in the lives of people living with blindness. He further present the opportunities redemption international offer to students and graduate respectively. There was an interactive session where students asked questions and where answered. Among such include; how can a blind student of university of Jos be a part of redemption international for the blind? if a graduate is to benefit and stays far from the area, what are the provisions for accommodation?. In response, the president said a student must be registered and be a card bearing member he also mention that member stand to get the benefits from the organization mostly. On the second question the president said when the program commence arrangements will be made for that. The president also made a promise in regards to an issue raised. He promised two sighted disable participant to take care of the problems if it’s within the workings of the organization. The consultant and adviser to the organization in the person Dr. maiwada. Encourage and gingered the students to continue to strive hard and never relent on the passion to succeed. He sang a song for them, saying they will not go back to their pitfall, they will continue to move forward until they achieve their goal. The student where entertain with some snacks will both staff of redemption and student of university of Jos mingle and interacted as the event came to a conclusion by 4 24pm. A VISIT TO THE CHAIRMAN CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (CAN) The meeting is between rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo and the team of redemption international for the blind led by the international president and founder of the organization, at the CAN secretariat Jos. The meeting commence by 11: 15 with the welcoming address by the CAN chairman. He welcomed the group and appreciated their present in his office. Next is the introduction of staff of redemption international for the blind by their president. Afterwards the president presented a speech in which he recognize the position of Christ in helping the needy. He further presented the goal of the organization, which is working towards an inclusive and an accessible world where no one is left behind. He profess that gone are the days when the blind child is relegated to the background, hidden away from the society by their parents, or used in the streets by their guardians as ATM machines. In response, the CAN chairman express his delight and amusement. He confess that never has he come across such presentation as the president presented using the brail. He explain “that they are a lot of people who can see but cannot read “though you are blind physically but you can see with the heart”. It is a good cause the organization is fighting for and he prayed to God to assist in our vision. The chairman promise to visit and also take our proposal to the executive council. He said “if there is anything you want CAN to do for you, just let me know and I will do my best”. The meeting ended with appreciation by the president and closing prayer by the CAN chairman.
OFFICIAL REPORT ON THE FUNDRAISING EVENT AT CREST HOTEL, JOS, PLATEAU STATE: REPORT ON THE FUND RAISING EVENT AT CREST HOTEL On the 15th of May 2021, Redemption International For The Blind, (RIFTB) organized a fund raising event at crest hotel, Jos, Plateau State, aimed at the establishment of an automated Braille Press and online digital library for the Blind in Jos, Plateau State. The event was however poorly attended, especially as most of the invited guests rather chose to stay away from the event, perhaps in preference to their political meetings. At the stage was a band wholly managed by Blind persons who were busy entertaining those who managed to come. There was a special number by the Blind community after which a special talk was given by Awashima Atu on changing societal approach towards the blind,and how to manage the trauma of sudden blindness. Awashima noted that: “Disability can happen to anyone at any time. It does not choose whether you are slim or fat, rich or poor, black or white, irrespective of your status.”. There was also a paper presentation by Prof. Ikechukwu Okoro on the relevance of accessible textbooks to the education of the blind. Prof. Okoro stated that: “Most tertiary institutions (public and private) and governments in the western world have dedicated services to ensuring that accessible textbooks are readily available to persons who are blind. Unfortunately, it is not the case, here, in Nigeria. As a result, reliance on foreign websites can be counter-productive, because specific textbooks/materials targeted towards students in Nigeria are not found on such foreign websites.” The president ,Redemption International for the Blind Bar. Sunny Ezurike addressed the people. He noted that: “One of the greatest challenges confronting the Blind child anywhere in the world is education.” He further observes that: “Education is the basic building block of every society; the single best investment that countries can make to build prosperous, healthy and equitable societies”, of which the Blind and the Visually Impaired are a part. If education indeed remains “The bedrock of every nation”, and if the international community is realistic about its message on “Education For All”, Especially, with regards to the United Nations 2030 Agenda, its full realization can only be possible if there is a total and all-inclusive package that can help the Blind easily access knowledge and information from books without having to rely on parents, friends, teachers and classmates, who can only assist when it is most convenient to them.” The president said that: “practical action really needs to be taken in the area of making knowledge and information in published textbooks accessible to the Blind in real time.” Going forward, the president stated that: “There can be nothing as enslaving as blindness where you will have to rely on someone else for almost everything. But for technology, the situation would have been worse.” In his appreciation to the international community, he said: “Thanks to the 2013 Marrakesh Treaty, which is an International binding agreement that grants copyright exceptions on published textbooks to the Blind, The Visually Impaired and The Print Disabled. “ Please see: https://wipolex.wipo.int/en/treaties/textdetails/13169 And so, in his opinion: “Nigeria, and the international community no longer have excuses for failing the Blind community in this direction. With all the industrialization and development of the Western World, only 5% of all published books is accessible to the Blind living in the developed world, and this is according to a 2013 available statistics. To the Blind in the developing world, the situation is even more critical, where less than 1% of all published books is accessible.” See: https://www.euractiv.com › section › digital › news › books-without-borders... “Yet in all cases, we all sit and write same examinations at all levels of study.” And thereafter, there was a response by Mr. Lawrence ogbemudia, the representative of Mr James Lalu, The Executive Secretary , National Commission for persons with disabilities, where he committed the national commission towards collaborating with Redemption International For The Blind towards the realization of her objects.. Finally goodwill messages were given by dignitaries and special guests. Though very little was raised, yet, there was enough to eat and drink after the event.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)