White Cane Day: Kogi Blind Association Raises Awareness, Seeks Employment Opportunities for Members
LOKOJA, Kogi State
The Kogi State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB) has called on motorists, members of the public and private companies to show greater consideration for persons with visual impairment, stressing the need for improved road safety awareness and equal employment opportunities.
The association made the call during its celebration of International White Cane Day on October 24, using a public road parade and sensitisation campaign to educate residents on the significance of the white cane and the rights of people living with visual impairment.
Speaking in an interview with KogiOnline.ng, the Kogi State Chapter Chairperson, Sule Zainab Lydia, explained that International White Cane Day is observed globally on October 15 each year, although the state chapter scheduled its celebration for October 24.
She described the occasion as an opportunity to celebrate ability despite disability and promote the message that a person’s potential extends beyond sight.
According to her, the celebration is intended to deepen public understanding of the white cane as a recognised symbol of visual impairment and a means of identifying people who may require assistance in certain situations.
Lydia said the association organised the awareness campaign to encourage members of the public to recognise the white cane and respond appropriately when they encounter someone using it.
She gave the example of a visually impaired person attempting to cross a road, explaining that motorists should be able to recognise the cane and exercise caution by stopping when necessary to allow the person to cross safely.
She stressed that public awareness remained essential to reducing the difficulties faced by persons with visual impairment in navigating roads and public spaces.
The chairperson said the decision to take the campaign to the streets was deliberate, as the association wanted residents to see its members, understand the significance of the white cane and appreciate the challenges they face in their daily lives.
White Cane Symbolises Independence and Resilience
Also speaking during the sensitisation exercise, the Secretary of the Kogi State Chapter of the association said the white cane represents more than visual impairment, describing it as a symbol of independence, freedom, courage and resilience.
He commended members of the association for participating in the public parade, noting that their determination demonstrated their ability to engage in activities often associated with people without visual impairment.
According to him, members covered approximately 10 kilometres during the road parade, an effort he said reflected their courage, determination and commitment to challenging misconceptions about blindness.
He praised the members for turning out in large numbers and demonstrating that visual impairment does not prevent people from participating meaningfully in society.
The secretary said the exercise reinforced the association’s message that blindness should not be regarded as an inability to learn, work or contribute to community development.
He emphasised that people with visual impairment possess abilities and talents that can be developed and put to productive use when they receive the necessary support and opportunities.
Association Appeals to Private Companies
The association also called on private companies to provide more employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, particularly those with visual impairment.
The chapter secretary urged businesses to recognise their responsibility to promote inclusion through their corporate social responsibility initiatives, adding that companies could make a meaningful difference by supporting people with disabilities and creating opportunities for them to contribute to the economy.
He stressed that blindness should not be a reason to deny anyone employment or regard them as less capable than other applicants.
The secretary disclosed that the association had supported the education of one of its members, using the example to demonstrate that people with visual impairment could pursue education and develop their abilities despite the challenges they faced.
He maintained that, with appropriate opportunities and support, persons with visual impairment could perform alongside their sighted counterparts and, in some circumstances, achieve even better results.
Call for Greater Public Understanding
The celebration of International White Cane Day in Kogi State highlighted the need for greater public understanding of visual impairment and the importance of treating persons with disabilities with dignity and respect.
Through the road parade and public sensitisation campaign, the association sought to remind motorists, employers and the wider community that the white cane should be recognised as an important indicator of visual impairment.
The campaign also underscored the need to make public spaces safer and more accessible, while encouraging employers to assess people on their abilities rather than their disabilities.
For the Kogi State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of the Blind, the message was clear: visual impairment should not exclude anyone from education, employment, independence or meaningful participation in society.
The association urged residents to support its advocacy by recognising the white cane, exercising care around pedestrians with visual impairment and promoting equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.
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