The Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB) in partnership with the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) has called for the integration of the visually impaired in the provision of infrastructure in the country.
The association made the call at the ‘Traditional White Cane Walk from Owoseni Primary School Oshodi.’ to the Digital Bridge Institute,’ Cappa Road, Oshodi to mark the World White Cane Safety Day on Sunday, in Lagos.
The day is celebrated annually on Oct. 15 to raise awareness about the courtesy rules of blindness and to promote accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities.
The walk saw a huge gathering of visually impaired, young and old, who defied their condition to join in the walk.
Mr Lukman Salami, Chairman, Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB) told newsmen that the white cane day was set aside by the international community to commemorate the use of white cane.
Salami said that the international white cane and mobility day is also set aside to create awareness on the use of the white cane.
The chairman said that the visually impaired faces two major challenges as a result of their sight; natural and artificial.
He explained that tied to the artificial challenge facing the visually impaired was the issue of inclusion in all aspects of societal life.
He argued that inclusion demands the integration of the visually impaired in the provisions of infrastructures that would better serve their needs.
He said that the construction of roads and the building of high-rise structures should be able to accommodate the needs of the visually impaired.
He called for the robust implementation of the disability inclusion laws from the national to subnational levels.
He expressed gratitude to all who contributed in making the 2023 White cane day worthwhile.
Also speaking, the General Sectretary/CEO of the Bible Society of Nigeria, Pastor Samuel Sanusi, urged individuals and corporate organisations to contribute in making the life of the visually impaired worthwhile.
Represented by Mr Adekola Adeniyi, Head of Audit, BSN, Sanusi said that the society has been championing the course of persons with disabilities, especially the visually impaired.
He said that the society recently organized a Bible quiz for the visually impaired with the theme ‘You Can Be Their Eyes,’ to make sure they have no barriers in accessing the Word of God.
He added that to make the Word of God more accessible to the visually impaired, the society recently donated sets of Braille Bibles to the National Braille Library, Surulere.
(NAN)
