Visually Impaired Group Seeks Partnerships For Economic Empowerment

The Muslim Association of Visually Impaired Nigeria (MAVIN) is seeking partnerships to create employment opportunities and empower visually impaired individuals, thereby reducing reliance on begging and promoting economic inclusion.

The Association stated this in a statement signed to commemorate its two decades of impact.

MAVIN’s Amir, Alhaji Abdul-Wasiu Salaudeen, appealed to political parties, particularly the ruling party, to reserve at least ten per cent of political positions at local, state, and federal levels for persons with disabilities.

He described the move as essential for justice, peace, and equality, enabling disabled individuals to contribute meaningfully to national development.

Salaudeen also called for partnerships to create employment opportunities and empowerment programmes to reduce reliance on begging

He further urged the federal government to establish a Ministry of Disability Affairs, saying such a step would bring policymakers closer to the needs of the disabled community.

Tracing MAVIN’s journey, he noted that the association was founded on April 1, 2006, in Lagos, as a platform for Muslim youths with visual impairments. It later expanded, merging with a northern Nigerian group in 2009, and now operates in 24 states.

Key milestones include Braille Quran training by a South African institution in 2011, the first national convention in Lagos in 2014, and international engagements in Turkey.

Salaudeen highlighted that during his tenure, the association cleared outstanding debts, organised training sessions, Ramadan lectures, and health talks, and raised its media visibility as a leading advocate for persons with disabilities.

The association also reported supporting members with school fees, securing government employment, facilitating skills acquisition, and receiving land donations in Kano and Lagos, as well as classrooms in Bauchi State.

“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,” Alhaji Salaudeen said.

He called on Nigerians to join the association as it continues to empower, educate, and uplift the dignity of visually impaired individuals.