The Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB), Anambra State Chapter, has called for greater public support for persons with visual impairment and the provision of accessible walkways to improve their mobility and safety.
The association made the call on October 17 during its 2026 White Cane Safety Day celebration held at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Amawbia, Awka. The event was organised to raise public awareness about the importance of the white cane and the need to promote the safety and inclusion of persons with visual impairment.
Speaking at the event, the State Chairman of NAB, Comrade Ernest Okanmelu, explained that White Cane Safety Day is globally observed on October 15, but the Anambra chapter held its celebration on October 17 to further promote awareness. He commended Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and his wife, Dr. Nonye Soludo, for supporting the employment of persons with disabilities during the state’s recent teachers’ recruitment exercise, while appealing for more assistance for blind persons.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Anambra State, Comrade Ifeanyi Igwegbe, described the white cane as an important mobility aid for blind and visually impaired persons. He urged motorists and other road users to assist people using white canes and called on visually impaired persons to embrace the use of the mobility aid.
Igwegbe further appealed to the government to construct accessible walkways along roads to make movement safer and easier for persons with disabilities.
The Chairman of the occasion, Comrade Chinweze Ejimofor, expressed appreciation to Mr. Okey Obi for donating white canes distributed to beneficiaries during the programme. He encouraged other individuals and organisations to emulate the gesture by supporting blind persons with essential mobility aids.
Dignitaries at the event included Mrs. Patricia Ibekwe, who represented the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare; Barr. Chisom Ezeno, representing Barr. Amaka Ezeno; and school proprietor Ebere Justin Ndife, among others.
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