Virtually challenged persons yesterday blocked the Murtala Mohammed Airport Road over allegations of neglect and closing down of Farmcraft Centre for the Blind.
The demonstration, which began earlier of yesterday, severely impacted access roads to the airport, raising concerns about missed flights and delays.
The group carried placards and chanted slogans to draw attention to their grievances.
Leading the protest, Popular Nigerian comedian and broadcaster Kelly Egbere, known as Kelly Blind said blind persons pay double to move around and are neglected in terms of employment.
“Subsidy remover of 2023 is still taking a toll on us. We pay double to move around. We are going through pains. So that’s why we decided today to come here. This is the only place that we can come and let our voice heard.
Calling on the President and others in authority, he said: “They should come and look into this because it’s a matter that needs immediate attention.
“Our members are dying silently. We are dying over neglect and being overlooked in opportunities. “Farmcraft Centre for the Blind was closed down, they said the students should go and no comment on when it will be opened.
“Many African countries are better than us when it comes to welfare for visually impaired and other clusters.
“Farmcraft has been shut down since last year. Since last year, the school has been shut down.
Making demands, he said: “Welfare is paramount. They can place us on salaries.
Two, they should give us grants. Three, the Superfalcons, got over N100 million, D’Tigress Basketball players also got over N100 million.
“We are educated, but no job. So, I just want us to have this thing done today.
Also, a man who simply identified himself as Destiny, said: “We are human beings.
“They cannot see, but they can hear. They call it inner eye perdition.
Inner eye is, even though you cannot see, you may understand what is going on.
Because you are hearing, you can understand. If they say, okay, you can use water and liquid to get soap. You can understand somebody going to get water, somebody going to get soap. That school gives them joy. That school makes them feel as human beings.
Reacting, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) urged travellers to check traffic updates before setting out, confirm their flight status with airlines for any schedule changes, and consider using alternative routes to avoid heavily congested areas.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience and understanding,” FAAN said in a statement issued on Monday.
