Over 100 visually impaired persons, guardians and officials from relevant government and private organisations in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State have celebrated Year 2024 World White Cane Day.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Adejumoke Adewole, while speaking before an awareness walk to commemorate the event, at Local Government Secretariat, Ilaro, said the theme, “Promoting Inclusion, Abilities and Advocacy and Access to the People With Visually Impaired”, was apt in addressing their challenges.
Mrs. Adewole added that the walk would create awareness about individuals who were visually impaired and depend on the White Cane for mobility, safety and accessibility, urging the public to be supportive, understanding and cooperate with them.
On his part, Head of Local Government Administration, Mr. Oluwole Fateru, commended WORLD Health Organisation (WHO) for choosing October 15 of every year to celebrate the Day, appreciating the public for their support and dedication towards raising awareness about the visually impaired.
Contributing, Chairman, Nigeria Association of the Blind, Ogun State Chapter, Barrister Bulugbe Joseph, explained that the White Cane Day was set aside to create awareness and celebrate the achievements of the visually impaired.
He informed that the event usually provides the visually impaired person with great opportunities to fraternise, to further improve themselves.
In their separate goodwill messages, Chairman of Joint National Association of Person with Disability, Ogun State Chapter, Dr. Ebonhor Ndidi, commended government efforts geared towards improving the welfare of person living with visual impairment.
Mrs. Akinleye Damilare, one of the visually impaired persons from Ilaro, emphasised the need to involve the visually impaired persons in governance, education and health sector, among other leadership roles, pointing out that they were highly gifted and intellectual to handle administrative issues.
Ajarat Omikule,
ZIO, Yewa South
