BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
United Nigeria Airlines has strengthened its advocacy for inclusion and equal opportunities by supporting a talent competition for visually impaired young Nigerians, a move aimed at encouraging persons living with disabilities to pursue their dreams and showcase their abilities.
The airline co-sponsored the blind category of the Henrotion in Expression event held in Port Harcourt at the weekend, where contestants impressed the audience with their vocal performances.
At the end of the competition, Sarima Owhur, popularly known as Sari Wonder, emerged the winner and received a cash prize of N100,000 after delivering a performance that stood out among the contestants.
The first runner-up, Kelly Zion, also received N100,000 after comedian Funny Bone, who attended the event, announced a cash reward in recognition of the contestant’s talent.
The organisers said the event was designed to provide visually impaired youths with a platform to display their musical abilities while promoting acceptance and inclusion in society.
An emotional Sari Wonder, while receiving her prize, expressed appreciation to the airline for supporting the initiative.
“I want to say thank you, United Nigeria Airlines. I don’t know what to say; all I can say is thank you very much,” she said.
Founder of the Vision Rehab Centre and consultant ophthalmologist, Dr. Adedayo Adio, described the competition as an opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of visually impaired persons and appealed for greater support for rehabilitation centres.
According to him, “Vision Rehab Centres, especially privately owned ones, require a lot of funding. For those of them whose parents are not able to take care of them, we look for funding to put them in school, and we also teach them vocations.
“We have a low vision arm where we train eye care workers. We train them to do what everyone else can do; we teach them all the skills they need to make a living. We want them to be able to blend in properly.”
Speaking while presenting the award to the winner, the Port Harcourt Station Manager of United Nigeria Airlines, Uche Magbo, said the airline would continue to identify with programmes that empower people living with disabilities.
“At United Nigeria Airlines, we believe true inclusion means giving a voice and a platform to those who are too often overlooked. At the weekend, we watched young people living with disabilities show us that talent has no limits and that vision is not a requirement for greatness. This is why we are proud to stand behind initiatives like this one. We will never fail to support young, talented, and hard-working Nigerians who are determined to rise above their circumstances.
“Congratulations to Sari Wonder, Kelly Zion, and every contestant, you have inspired us all. United Nigeria Airlines will continue to fly the flag of inclusion, encouragement, and opportunity for people living with disabilities across this nation,” he said.
Founder of Henrotion, Henry Aniakor, thanked the airline for partnering with the organisers, saying its support contributed significantly to the success of the event.
“We thank United Nigeria Airlines for believing in our vision and partnering with us. Your support helped bring to life an unforgettable experience, marked by creativity, excellence, meaningful connections, outstanding entertainment, and lasting impact. We are truly grateful for your trust and look forward to building an even stronger partnership in the years ahead,” Aniakor said.
The sponsorship adds to United Nigeria Airlines’ growing record of supporting initiatives that encourage youth development, social inclusion and the recognition of talented Nigerians regardless of physical limitations.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
