The Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB), Lagos State Chapter has marked the International White Cane Day 2024 with an awareness walk and sensitization at the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo campus. The walk, which kicked off at Ojo Military Cantonment in Lagos, featured over a hundred visually impaired individuals and their supporters to celebrate the significance of the white cane as a symbol of independence and confidence.
The event was aimed at raising awareness about the strengths and independence of the Blind and promoting disability inclusion in society.
While speaking with BONews, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr Babatunde Mohammed, said “the white cane is a tool for independence, but it’s also a message to society that we are capable and confident.”
He explained that the walk was not just an exercise but “we are here to demonstrate that visually impaired people deserve equal rights, and we are proud to stand together today in unity and strength.”
Following the walk, the celebration continued with a grand reception that gathered hundreds of visually impaired individuals at the Buba Marwa Hall, Lasu, Ojo. The event, sponsored by organizations like Zenith Bank, Sterling Bank, FCMB, and several others, featured keynote speeches, interactive sessions, and performances that celebrated the achievements and potential of Blind individuals.
Mr Opeoluwa Akinola, a member of NAB Lagos and the Founder of AccessTech, in his keynote address which focused on inclusion and support for visually impaired people in the community shared that, “when you see someone using a white cane, it’s not just a sign of their disability, but a symbol of their independence.”
Mr Akinola noted that “it is important to remember that when offering help, always ask first how they would like to be assisted—whether by hand, elbow, or shoulder. It’s a simple way to show respect and care for their personal space and autonomy.”
Akinola also addressed the broader need for social awareness, saying, “We must do more than just feel pity or sympathy; we need to foster real inclusion. A blind person should be able to navigate any environment confidently, and it is our responsibility as a society to ensure that we make that possible by putting them into consideration when building public spaces, ensuring that mirrors are not kept in walkways to avoid messing with their sensory organs.”
Following Akinola’s speech, Professor Adu, a respected academic from the Lagos State University, also took the stage to commend the progress made in empowering visually impaired individuals. “It is truly a joy to see this event grow year after year, and I am proud to be part of it,” Adu said. “The white cane does not represent weakness; it represents strength and the ability to harness potential. We must continue to work towards an inclusive society where everyone can thrive, regardless of their abilities,” he added.
The reception also featured a demonstration where representatives from the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Lagos State University (LASU), and Sterling Bank were blindfolded and asked to walk around using white canes. The activity aimed to offer a first-hand experience of the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals in their daily lives.
“It’s important to put ourselves in their shoes and experience firsthand the resilience and confidence that visually impaired people exhibit daily,” said one of the sponsors after completing the challenge.
In his vote of thanks, Mr Babatunde Mohammed commended the sponsors for their overwhelming support and added that “we must continue to push for sustainable change and ensure that visually impaired individuals have the opportunities and support they deserve. “Events like this are vital, but we must keep the momentum going. Together, we can build a more inclusive world.”
The event was supported by key sponsors and partners including Zenith Bank, Sterling Bank, FCMB, LASU, Saviors Church, Kings Court RCCG, LASODA, Bible Society of Nigeria, and Nigeria Police Microfinance Bank.