Domestic carrier, United Nigeria Airlines, at the weekend, supported young talents who took part in a singing competition organised for people living with disabilities.

The airline co-sponsored the blind segment of the ‘Henrotion in Expression’ event, held in Port Harcourt, on Sunday, which saw Sarima Owhur (Sari Wonder) walk away with a cash prize of N100,000 after delivering a standout vocal performance.

The first runner-up, Kelly Zion, was also rewarded after comedian Funny Bone, who was present at the show, pledged an additional N100,000 in recognition of the contestant’s talent.

The event, which showcased the vocal talents of several visually impaired young Nigerians, was co-sponsored by United Nigeria Airlines as part of its continued support for persons living with disabilities. Organisers say the initiative was designed to give visually impaired talents a platform to express themselves and be celebrated for their abilities, rather than their challenges.

After being presented with her award, the winner, Sari Wonder, said: “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.”

The founder of the Vision Rehab Centre and consultant ophthalmologist, Dr. Adedayo Adio, who commended the winner, who is part of the centre, said: “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 vocation.”

“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, Adio added.

Presenting the award to the winner, the Port Harcourt Station Manager of United Nigeria Airlines, Uche Magbo, who represented the airline at the event, commended the contestants for their courage and talent.

He said: “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”.

The founder of Henrotion, Henry Aniakor, thanked United Nigeria Airlines for its support, describing the partnership as instrumental to the success of the event.