By By Ademola Ajao
THE Balogun Olugbemiga Foundation on Sunday empowered 350 visually impaired persons at the Genesis Event Centre, Molete, Ibadan.
Speaking in his welcome address, the founder of the foundation, Mr Balogun Olugbemiga, disclosed that he was not blind from birth.
“It happened three months after I got to Germany in search of greener pastures. Had it happened in Nigeria, I might not have survived, or I would have ended up by the roadside begging for alms at Sabo. But I give thanks to God for where I am today,” he said.
According to Olugbemiga, he once reflected on how different his life could have been.
“In a video I made, I said I might not be alive today if things had gone differently 17 years ago. If that had happened, would you be seeing me here today, or would I have met the dignitaries present? I thank God for preserving my life,” he added.
He explained that his personal experience inspired his passion for supporting others living with visual impairment.
“Rather than begging by the roadside, I resolved to give to people who are visually impaired like me.
Whenever Bayo Faleke hosts them on radio programmes, I usually write down their phone numbers, call them afterwards, and give whatever I can.”
Mr Olugbemiga noted that the idea of establishing a foundation came to him three years ago.
“I thought it would be good to have a foundation, even if it was just once a year, where I could give whatever I have to people like me. When we started, we were fewer than 70 beneficiaries. Last year, we had over 250, and this year we are empowering 350 people.”
He expressed gratitude to supporters of the foundation, praying for divine reward for their generosity.
“We give glory to God for the kind-hearted people supporting this foundation. May God continue to replenish their pockets. I am especially grateful to Barrister Olugbemiga Adekambi, my mentor,” he said.
Barrister Olugbemiga Adekambi, Commissioner of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, who represented the Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, pledged the state government’s support for the foundation. He also personally donated the sum of ₦500,000.
In addition, he promised to sponsor three visually impaired musicians who performed professionally at the event for a collaborative music album recording.
The musicians were identified as K Wonder, MJ Blind, and Bayo Sax.
Beneficiaries of the programme expressed great excitement, dancing and rejoicing as the musicians filled the venue with melodious tunes, creating an atmosphere of joy and shared happiness.
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