By Ganiyat Mumuni-Animashaun
The Muslim Association of Visually Impaired of Nigeria (MAVIN) has called on the government and society to empower persons with disabilities, emphasizing that there is ability in disability.
Speaking at the Grand finale and Second Editon of Walimatu Quran ,President of the association, Abdulwasiu Salaudeen highlighted the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
“Many people see persons with disabilities around them, but they don’t really know what we want. They give us money instead of asking how they can assist us,” he said.
Salaudeen emphasized the need for education, empowerment, and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. “We need grants for our businesses, quality education, and healthcare. We’re begging the government to provide us with these opportunities,” he said.
The president commended the government for its efforts and thereby urged them to sustain its efforts for persons with disabilities.
The event, which was part of MAVIN’s annual week featured Walimatu Quran celebration which aimed to create awareness about persons with disabilities and promote inclusivity.
Abdullateef AbdulHakeem, a guest speaker at the event, emphasized the importance of serving Allah, engaging in Quranic studies and empowering the less privileged .
He praised MAVIN for showing a good example, despite their challenges.
“MAVIN is showing a good example In spite of their challenges with their sight, they are still readings the Quran,”he said.
AbdulHakeem stressed the need to empower the less privileged economically.
“Many of them can do a lot with their talent and intelligence,Let us empower them economically because there is a lot of ability in disability,”he said.
The event also paid tribute to the late Alhaji Muhyideen Bello, who was described as a father figure and a symbol of honesty and integrity. They urged the Muslim community to continue his good work and stand for the truth.
The Islamic leader said the event was a call to action for Muslims to uphold the values of honesty, integrity, and compassion.
He said:”Everyone is a leader. First and foremost, control yourself then You’ll be able to control others.”
Dignitaries present were; Former DPO Ejigbo Divisional Police Headquarters, CSP Shonubi Maryam Adesola;National Dawah Chairman MAVIN Taofeek Salaudeen Folarori; Onishasha of Shasha HRM Oba Nosiru Ogunrombi;Deputy Commissioner of Police State CID Panto; Abdullateef AbdulHakeem; Chairman Rakis Limited Alhaji&Alhaja Juwerat Ismail Musa ;Imam Ajadi-Lawa Central Mosque Lagos Island Ameler Komorudeen Ajala ,Among others
