Empowering Visually Impaired: How Christiana Akinrinmade’s NGO is Breaking Barriers

Rebecca Ejifoma

It was a fulfilling moment for Mrs. Christiana Akinrinmade, the founder of Hope Builder Foundation, a non-governmental organisation breaking barriers for persons with disabilities.

A handful of its members enthusiastically displayed their five-star skills for sale to mark the 2023 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Day for People with Disabilities (PWDs) in Lagos.

“Today, we celebrate the indomitable spirit of individuals with disabilities and their remarkable contributions to entrepreneurship.

“I am deeply humbled by this opportunity to share our vision and mission with such an esteemed audience,” says the founder.

Reminiscing about how the foundation took off the ground, Akinrinmade is pleased that determination, resilience, and a firm belief in the potential of people with disabilities have marked their journey.

As a selfless entrepreneur, Akinrinmade inspired participants seamlessly: “I stand before you as a testament to the power of perseverance, having faced visual impairment in 2010 after a successful banking career spanning over 18 years.”

Akinrinmade graduated from the Nigerian Society for the Blind, Lagos, which sparked her passion for empowering others with similar challenges. “The Hope Builder for the Physically Challenged Foundation is not just an organisation; it is a symbol of hope and a catalyst for change.

“We are driven by the belief that disability should never be an obstacle to success but rather a platform for immense possibilities,” she said.

Adding that, the foundation envisions a world where individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to unlock their full potential, actively participate in society, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

According to the former banker, at the core of their efforts lies the Divine Chrisken Creativity established in 2016.

It harnesses the potential of craftwork to create exceptional products such as footwear, bags, belts, and innovative centre tables made from recycled waste motor tyres.

“Through this initiative, we also impart valuable craft skills to the less privileged individuals, including people with disabilities, empowering them to be self-reliant and fostering their inclusion in society,” she said.

Having impacted over 1,000 individuals through craftwork and hand skills training, Akinrinmade reaffirmed its commitment to providing education, vocational training, and empowerment programmes that promote inclusiveness, independence, and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities.

Thanks to her resilience, the Executive Director of Denny Social Welfare Hub (DSWH), Abosede Mary Otukpe, has commended Akinrinmade for her persistence.

She expressed: “I’m celebrating with Dr Christiana, my friend. I met her during International Women’s Day when she displayed her crafts two years ago.

“I was amazed that someone with visual challenges could produce such beautiful handcrafts.”

For the DSWH executive director, a programme like this could build a stronger future for persons with disabilities.

“This is a way forward. Some of the participants have presented renditions. I see their future is bright,” says Otukpe.

According to her, the theme of the day, “Building a Strong Future Together,” and the foundation’s slogan gives hope that they can achieve whatever they put their mind to.

She also urged the new government to promote inclusion in all fields. “They should give persons with disabilities the space to thrive in society and the nation. There should be a policy that would make more companies employ them not only based on connections.”

In the words of Dr. Monturayo Meranda, Board of O Africa (Mother Africa), an organisation working with African countries like Nigeria, Niger, and others, a programme like this is admirable.

“Bringing the physically challenged together by a physically challenged person is an inspiration and a good vision. I salute the vision and courage of the founder,” she added.

Lamenting that people living with disability in Nigeria lack a lot of education and infrastructure, technology, and a conducive environment for learning, Meranda urged the government to go bat for NGOs supporting persons with disabilities.

She emphasised: “We need a lot of accessible places where these people can socialise, club, network among themselves, meet counsellors to heal because they need healing themselves.”