Visually Impaired Protesters Halt Airport Access Over Shuttered Rehabilitation Center

Access roads to Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport were paralyzed yesterday as visually impaired Nigerians staged a protest over the prolonged closure of the Farmcraft Centre for the Blind. The demonstration, led by prominent comedian and advocate Kelly “Blind” Egbere, caused significant flight disruptions with numerous passengers missing scheduled departures.

Protesters blocked the critical airport artery with placards demanding government intervention, citing systemic neglect exacerbated by economic hardships following the 2023 fuel subsidy removal. Egbere emphasized the center’s vital role: “Farmcraft has been shut since last year despite providing vocational training and community for the visually impaired. We need welfare support – salaries, grants – especially when athletes receive hundreds of millions.”

Another protester, Destiny, highlighted the human impact: “This center gave us dignity. Without it, educated visually impaired Nigerians remain unemployed and marginalized.”

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) acknowledged the disruption, advising travelers to monitor traffic updates and use alternative routes while apologizing for inconveniences.