By Ola Ojo
This year’s international white cane day took a different dimension in Ekiti State as some visually impaired persons rolled out drums and danced round the streets of Ado Ekiti to commemorate the day.
The visually impaired persons along side an Iyin Ekiti born politician and businessman Hon. Isreal Adesokan also used the avenue to create awareness among motorists and members of the public on the significance of the white cane.
Addressing the group, Hon. Isreal Adesokan known as Jaru who also danced round with the visually impaired persons stressed the need for government to create more awareness on the rules of white cane so as to ensure safety of blind persons.
According to him, “The White Cane Law states that a driver must come to a complete stop when a blind pedestrian is crossing a street but the fact remains that many motorists are not aware of the law.
Hon. Adesokan observed that many drivers and road users have not been complying with the white cane laws and such had subjected many blind persons to difficulties.
While speaking, the Chairman, Nigeria Association of the Blind, Ekiti State Chapter, Mr Olatunbosun Olajide urged governments to always prioritise their welfare.
The National Secretary, Speak Out For the Disabled People Initiative, Mr. Peter Adesina who called on members of the public to always provide helping hands to the visually impaired also requested the government to purchase white canes for them, as many of them did not have.
On his part, the Chairman, Ekiti State Agency For Persons With Disability, Mr. Akin Obanise advised members of the Association of the blind to always see ability in their disability.
Chairman at a brief ceremony to commemorate the 2021 white cane day, Mr Israel Adesokan urged government to implement the White cane law to give the blinds sense of belonging.
Mr. Adesokan popularly known as Jaruu called on them not to be deterred by their conditions.