In a landmark action of corporate social responsibility and commitment to workplace inclusion, New Horizons Nigeria has offered lifetime employment to Olayinka Akinbiyi, a visually impaired National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member.
This project demonstrates the organisations dedication to providing equal opportunities to physically challenged individuals. Olayinka, who lost her eyesight at two years of age due to measles and was the victim of losing her mother at birth, has risen above challenges to achieve a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Benin.
Her resolve was what caught the attention of New Horizons’ Managing Director, Mr. Tim Akano, who paid a visit to the NYSC state coordinator. Touched by her resolve, Akano vowed not just to provide her with specialized ICT training but to also offer her a lifetime job.
New Horizons, one of the prominent ICT training institutions in Nigeria, has played a critical role in empowering young Nigerians with ICT skills, providing over 20,000 scholarships every year. In line with its mission to include everyone, the organization is undergoing ICT training specifically for people who are visually impaired. She will also be assigned to a visually impaired school in Oshodi, where she will train other visually impaired students based on her new ICT skills.
Aside from training, New Horizons is ensuring Olayinka’s economic security in the future by promising to pay her a lifetime wage an unprecedented move that sets a high standard for workplace inclusion in Nigeria. The organization is also extending its assistance to the school, doubling its efforts in empowering physically challenged persons through education and technology.
This initiative falls under the ambit of the broader vision of the new Tim Akano Foundation, which has initiated a series of community development programs, including school rehabilitations and the NYSC+ (PLUS) mentorship program. The foundation aims to bridge the gap between jobs and education and position Nigerian youth for career and leadership success.
Through this bold step, New Horizons Nigeria is proving that true inclusion goes beyond rhetoric it requires action, investment, and a commitment to lasting change. Olayinka Akinbiyi’s journey is no longer just a story of resilience; it is now a beacon of hope for countless others striving for a future where ability, not disability, defines one’s opportunities.
