The Muslim Association of Visually Impaired of Nigeria leadership has requested Nigerians to demonstrate more love towards people with disabilities by ending all forms of discrimination against them.
At the 9th national conference and Quran competition in Osogbo, Osun State, the group's Amir, Mr Abdulwasiu Salaudeen, encouraged Nigerians to let their daughters marry responsible visually impaired individuals instead of marrying able-bodied but irrational men.
Salaudeen noted that with increased awareness, more Nigerians are starting to eliminate discrimination against people with disabilities.
He also appealed for increased support from all stakeholders to help individuals with disabilities live and interact with society without facing discrimination.
He also mentioned, “People with disabilities are a part of society. We want the society to accept us as one of their own. Things are improving compared to when our organization started.
“Initially, most of us were unemployed. But now, we are better off than before. We want society to embrace us as part of them by providing us with jobs and opportunities. There is nothing that an able-bodied person can do that individuals with disabilities can't do.
“Instead of allowing their daughters to marry men who would mistreat them, why not let them marry men with disabilities who would be more appreciative and caring?”
The conference, organized by MAVIN, an organization founded on April 1, 2006, with the goal of “Giving Vision to the Blind,” was attended by delegates from 27 states across the country.