L–R: Leonard Monjok, an Enrolee at the Bethesda BlindTech Hub; Pastor Enoch Adisa, Pastor of Christ Apostolic Church, Agege Motor Road, and Community Representative; Rev. (Dr.) Chioma Ohakwe, Director at Bethesda Home and School for the Blind; Mr. Igba Aondosoo Peter, an Enrolee at the Bethesda BlindTech Hub; Mr. Paul Daramola, a Community Resident and Witness; Mr. Chinonso V. Vincent, Head of Corporate Relations at Bethesda Home and School for the Blind, and Project Manager of the BlindTech Hub; and Ms. Bimbo Ogungbe, an Enrolee at the BlindTech Hub.
A beautiful new chapter unfolded at the Bethesda Home and School for the Blind as the organization officially launched its Blind Tech Hub on Tuesday, October 7th, 2025; a groundbreaking facility designed to empower visually impaired individuals through technology. The launch event was a celebration of vision, partnership, and the unyielding belief that every person deserves equal access to opportunity.
The hub, supported by the Ford Foundation, is set to serve as a center for learning, innovation, and digital inclusion, providing training in web development, IT & computer appreciation skills that can help the visually impaired thrive in an increasingly digital world. The blindtech hub is equipped with 50 computers with audiovisual support, screen readers to help students program effectively.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Chinonso Vincent, the Head of Corporate Relations at Bethesda and Project Manager for the BlindTech Hub, highlighted the importance of creating more inclusive spaces like the Blind Tech Hub across Nigeria. He emphasized that in today’s digital age, technology is not just a tool for convenience but a gateway to independence and empowerment. According to him, facilities like the BlindTech Hub ensure that no one is left behind in the fast-evolving digital economy. He noted that with the right training and access to technology, visually impaired individuals can become software developers, data analysts, content creators, and entrepreneurs, proving that disability is not inability.
Mr. Vincent also spoke about the Ford Foundation’s objectives, describing the organization as a global force for social justice and equality. In his words, "the Ford Foundation is one of the world’s leading philanthropic organizations dedicated to advancing social justice, reducing inequality, and strengthening democratic values. Through its West Africa office, the Foundation has supported numerous initiatives promoting education, inclusion, and empowerment, values deeply reflected in this partnership with Bethesda, and they have now been doing this consistently for 65 years". He explained that Ford Foundation’s partnership with Bethesda aligns perfectly with its mission to reduce inequality and support inclusive institutions. He commended the Foundation for its forward-thinking approach to inclusion, calling the project a “true investment in human potential".
The community that surrounds Bethesda also shared in the excitement of this achievement. Pastor Enoch Adisa of Christ Apostolic Church, Agege Motor Road, and Mr. Paul Daramola, a resident and long-time witness of Bethesda’s growth, both gave heartfelt remarks at the launch. They described the new tech hub as a blessing to the community, recognizing the far-reaching impact it will have not just for students of Bethesda, but for the neighborhood as a whole. They expressed deep gratitude to the Ford Foundation for making the project a reality, and to Rev. Dr. Chioma Ohakwe for her unwavering commitment to uplifting the visually impaired.
Their words captured a shared sense of pride and hope that when institutions and communities work hand in hand, transformation follows.
The Director of Bethesda Home and School for the Blind, Rev. Dr. Chioma Ohakwe, gave an emotional address during the event. She reflected on Bethesda’s humble beginnings and her lifelong vision to create an environment where the visually impaired can learn, live, and lead with confidence. She expressed deep appreciation to the Ford Foundation for its support, describing the new Blind Tech Hub as a dream fulfilled. According to her, the hub represents more than infrastructure — it’s a platform for hope, education, and empowerment.
Dr. Ohakwe reaffirmed Bethesda’s commitment to providing holistic education and life skills that equip the blind and visually impaired to contribute meaningfully to society. She also expressed her gratitude to the staff, volunteers, and the community for standing with Bethesda over the years.
