It is ten-ten to UBA for inclusivity with Braille account, by Bamidele Johnson

One day last week, I got a call from a childhood friend with whom I lost touch in 2000 or 2001. My friend who, much later in life, suffered the misfortune of losing his sight, met a mutual friend, from whom he got my phone number.

I ignored his call thrice because Trucaller did not throw up one funny name that I thought was a scammer’s. But he kept calling. I have to admit that, occasionally, I ignore calls from numbers not on my contact list because of all sorts. I expect that callers would send an SMS or a WhatsApp message identifying themselves if they suspect that their calls are being ignored. That is what I do.

My friend did nothing of the sort. He just kept calling. Out of delight, I believe. At some point, I answered and when I knew he was the one, I combusted in delight. He did the same. What followed, naturally were questions asked between gasps of delight like we were childhood sweethearts. Where have you been? How have you been? How is mummy? How are your siblings? Everything was fine, he said, except that his mom passed on February and will be buried late in May. Because of Lent, he said. I also told him my mom died last year.
We swapped condolences.

I told him to keep me posted about the funeral and asked that he should have his younger sister send me her account details for some support towards the funeral. He said he operates an account. I was surprised because of how indifferent banks-and even the wider society-are to people of his circumstance. I asked how he is able to operate an account.

It was a fairly long narrative of woes. In 2023, he said, he found a way when UBA launched its Braille account service. I had never heard of it prior to him telling me. I felt guilty about that because it also indicated that, like the banks, I am guilty of bot-like indifference. At the end of our conversation, I had protracted afterglow, during which I recalled events of our childhood, some of which we spoke about.

I also recalled the circumstances that led to his loss of sight, which made me sad. But I was comforted by the fact that he’s holding his own despite his circumstance. I was equally delighted at how thoughtful and inclusive UBA’s Braille account initiative is. It seems to me a significant step toward financial accessibility and independence for visually- impaired individuals.

It suggests a commitment to creating a more inclusive banking environment and projects UBA has showing leadership in promoting equal opportunities for all. It is important for us as a society to recognise the needs of the visually-impaired community, which the bank did with that initiative. I thank the bank for such meaningful action that shows it values inclusivity and innovation. I guess it is needless to say that I am delighted to re-establish connection with a friend I met when we were 10 years old.