Scores of visually impaired and physically challenged individuals staged a protest along Airport Road in Ikeja, Lagos State, on Monday, blocking key access routes to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
The demonstration, which caused significant traffic disruptions, was in response to the prolonged closure of their School of the Blind, a vital institution for their education and empowerment.
The protesters, many of whom are students and alumni of the school, expressed frustration over the Lagos State government's failure to address the closure, which they claim has persisted for an extended period.
Holding placards and chanting slogans, they demanded the immediate reopening of the facility, highlighting its critical role in providing specialized education and support for the visually impaired community.
“We are here because our school has been shut for too long,” said Adebayo Tunde, a visually impaired protester.
“This is our right to education, and the government cannot ignore us. We will stay here until we get answers.”
The protest, which began in the early hours, led to a massive gridlock along Airport Road, particularly affecting commuters traveling to and from the airport.
Motorists were stranded for hours, with many forced to seek alternative routes or abandon their vehicles to trek long distances.
The situation caused significant delays for travelers, with reports of missed flights adding to the chaos.
Eyewitnesses described a tense but peaceful demonstration, with protesters, some in wheelchairs and others using canes, blocking the road while appealing to passersby for support.
Security operatives were deployed to the scene to maintain order, with police officers engaging the protesters to clear the roads, though no immediate resolution was reached.
The School of the Blind, located in Lagos, has been a cornerstone for empowering visually impaired individuals through tailored education and vocational training.
Protesters alleged that the closure, which they claim was due to administrative neglect and lack of funding, has left many students without access to essential learning resources, forcing some to abandon their education entirely.
“This is not just about a school; it’s about our future,” said Chidinma Okeke, another protester.
“We are already fighting to be included in society, and closing our school takes away our chance to contribute meaningfully.”
Lagos State officials are yet to issue an official statement on the protest or the reasons behind the school’s closure.
However, sources within the state government suggest that the facility may have been shut due to infrastructural challenges and ongoing renovations, though no timeline for reopening has been confirmed.
As the demonstration continued into the afternoon, commuters expressed mixed reactions.
While some sympathized with the protesters’ cause, others voiced frustration over the disruption.
“I understand their pain, but blocking the airport road affects everyone,” said Tola Adeyemi, a stranded motorist.
The situation remains fluid, with no immediate resolution in sight as both protesters and authorities navigate the standoff.
The Lagos State government has been urged to engage with the protesters and address their grievances to prevent further disruptions.
For now, the physically challenged community remains resolute, vowing to continue their action until their voices are heard and the School of the Blind is reopened.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com