United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has reinforced its commitment to disability inclusion by supporting a talent competition for visually impaired young Nigerians, providing a platform for them to showcase their musical abilities and inspiring greater recognition of the potential of persons with disabilities.
The airline co-sponsored the blind category of the Henrotion in Expression talent competition held over the weekend in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The event brought together talented visually impaired contestants who thrilled the audience with remarkable vocal performances while promoting inclusion and equal opportunities.
At the end of the competition, Sarima Owhur, popularly known as Sari Wonder, emerged as the overall winner after delivering an outstanding performance that earned her the highest score from the judges. She received a cash prize of ₦100,000. The first runner-up, Kelly Zion, also received a surprise ₦100,000 cash reward from renowned Nigerian comedian Funny Bone, who attended the event and commended the contestant’s exceptional performance.
Designed to celebrate talent rather than disability, the competition highlighted the abilities of visually impaired individuals while challenging societal misconceptions about disability. It also underscored the importance of creating platforms where persons with disabilities can pursue their dreams and compete on equal footing with others.
Speaking after receiving her award, an emotional Sari Wonder expressed heartfelt appreciation to United Nigeria Airlines for supporting the initiative and encouraging visually impaired youths.
“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, congratulated the winner, who is one of the centre’s trainees, while emphasizing the need for sustained investment in rehabilitation programmes for persons with visual impairments.
According to him, privately owned rehabilitation centres require substantial resources to provide education, vocational training and life-changing opportunities, particularly for visually impaired persons from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Dr. Adio explained that the Vision Rehab Centre remains committed to helping visually impaired individuals become self-reliant by equipping them with practical, vocational and social skills. He added that the centre also operates a low-vision unit dedicated to training eye-care professionals while supporting beneficiaries to integrate successfully into society.
Representing United Nigeria Airlines at the event, the airline’s Port Harcourt Station Manager, Uche Magbo, praised all the contestants for their resilience, determination and inspiring performances.
He reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote equal opportunities for talented Nigerians, regardless of disability.
“At United Nigeria Airlines, we believe true inclusion means giving a voice and a platform to those who are too often overlooked,” Magbo said.
“We witnessed young people living with disabilities demonstrate that talent has no limits and that vision is not a requirement for greatness. Their courage and determination are truly inspiring.”
He congratulated Sari Wonder, Kelly Zion and all the contestants, noting that they had demonstrated that disability should never be a barrier to achieving success.
Also speaking, the founder of Henrotion, Henry Aniakor, commended United Nigeria Airlines for partnering with the organisers to deliver a successful event.
He described the airline’s support as instrumental in celebrating creativity, inspiring hope and promoting greater public awareness of the abilities of persons with disabilities. Aniakor expressed optimism that the partnership would continue to expand opportunities for talented persons with disabilities in future editions of the programme.
United Nigeria Airlines said its support for the initiative reflects its broader commitment to corporate social responsibility, youth empowerment and disability inclusion. The airline noted that creating equal opportunities for persons with disabilities remains essential to building a more inclusive society where talent, determination and hard work are recognised without discrimination.
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