Muslim body seeks govts’ assistance at 20
Muslim Association of Visually Impaired Nigeria has called for increased support for its members, advocating 10 per cent political positions for special persons. It appealed to governments, individuals, and corporate
Muslim Association of Visually Impaired Nigeria has called for increased support for its members, advocating 10 per cent political positions for special persons.
It appealed to governments, individuals, and corporate groups to support members in engaging fully with society.
Its Amir, Alhaji Abdul-Wasiu Salaudeen said this in a statement by General Secretary, Mustapha Mohammed, to mark two decades of impact.
He urged the ruling party and others to allocate at least 10 per cent of reserved political positions at local, state and federal levels for persons with disabilities, advocating justice, peace, and equality to enable these individuals contribute to national development.
Salaudeen said the body would welcome partnerships and support aimed at creating jobs and empowerment to reduce reliance on begging.
On empowerment, Salaudeen noted that the Muslim blind community would be happier if the Federal Government established a Ministry of Disability Affairs to serve their needs and bring policymakers closer to disabled persons.
Regarding the anniversary, he traced the association’s roots to April 1, 2006, when it was founded at the Blind Centre, CAPPA, Oshodi, to serve as a platform for Muslim youths with visual impairment, fostering relations and support such as educational and empowerment initiatives.
The group later moved to FIIRO Muslim Community Central Mosque at CAPPA, Oshodi, to facilitate better meetings. It merged with a northern group, in 2009, expanding to 24 states. Salaudeen said.
In 2011, a South African Arabic Braille institution trained members in Braille Quran reading. The first national convention was held in Lagos in 2014, where Muslihudeen Bankole was appointed Amir, a position he has held since inception. He attended an international conference in Turkey on Braille Quran issues.
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In 2018, Malam Dairo Gambo from northern Nigeria became Amir, followed by the current Amir in 2022. He also attended an international conference in Turkey where he was able to attract drilling of boreholes to three special schools in the country.
Alhaji Salaudeen noted that the association has extensively trained members in Braille Quran reading, enabling visually impaired members to read the Quran independently.
The association has also supported members’ education and empowerment, helping those unable to pay school fees, securing employment in government agencies, and facilitating skills acquisition for self-reliance. Alhaji Salaudeen said.
He also acknowledged donations of land in Kano and Lagos, and classrooms in Asari, Bauchi State, by generous Nigerians.
Highlighting his achievements, Alhaji Salaudeen noted that during his tenure, the association’s outstanding debts of it owing corporate affairs commission were cleared, all debts from the previous administration were settled.
He also emphasised that many members attended training sessions and seminars to update their knowledge. Additionally, Ramadan lectures and health talks were organised to improve members’ health awareness.
He further mentioned that the association experienced increased media appearances, visits to media organisations, and other engagements, establishing it as a leading advocate for better lives for persons with disabilities.
Speaking at the upcoming conference is scheduled for April 2 at the Manpower Development Institute, Dutse, Jigawa State, with Dr Abdullahi Jaji Abdullahi as the guest speaker. Dignitaries will be recognised for their support. Alhaji Salaudeen said
He said that since 2006, MAVIN’s journey from a small vocational group to a nationwide movement across 24 states highlights its commitment to faith, resilience, and advocacy. It continues to empower, educate, and elevate the dignity of visually impaired individuals.
Alhaji Salaudeen called on Nigerians to join the association as it celebrates two decades of impactful service, advocacy, and empowerment, paving the way for a more inclusive future through faith and knowledge.
