Abuja, Nigeria — October 15, 2025.
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), in partnership with the Nigerian Association of the Blind (NAB), joined the global community on Tuesday to commemorate this year’s International White Cane Day, celebrating the independence, dignity, and mobility of persons with visual impairments.
Observed globally every October 15, International White Cane Day—first established in 1964—highlights the resilience of persons with visual impairments and the shared responsibility of society to promote accessibility and inclusion.
This year’s event in Abuja featured a sensitization walk from Eagle Square to the National Women Development Centre, symbolizing solidarity and raising public awareness about the rights and safety of persons with visual impairments in Nigeria.
In his keynote address, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, described the white cane as “a symbol of dignity, freedom, and self-reliance.” He emphasized that the white cane represents a collective call to action in ensuring that persons with visual impairments can move through society safely and confidently.
“As a Commission, we remain committed to advancing this vision through inclusive education programs that enable learners with visual impairments to access quality schooling,” Gufwan stated. “We are working with stakeholders to ensure the availability of assistive technologies and accessible learning materials nationwide.”
He further noted that the Commission is collaborating with federal and state governments to promote inclusive infrastructure, ensuring public buildings, transportation systems, and digital platforms are accessible to all. Additionally, NCPWD continues to invest in economic empowerment programs to enhance the independence and participation of persons with visual impairments in the workforce.
Representing the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, Mr. Andrew Amos, Assistant Chief Social Welfare Officer, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive governance. He assured that the Ministry is intentional about ensuring that “no one is left behind,” pledging continued collaboration with NCPWD and NAB to strengthen disability-focused policies and programs.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Theophilus Odaodu, representative of the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), underscored the importance of sustained advocacy for accessibility and inclusion, stressing that White Cane Day serves as a global reminder of equality and empowerment for persons with disabilities.
The National President of the Nigerian Association of the Blind, Mr. Onyebuchi Stanley Nnamdi, urged governments at all levels to enforce White Cane Laws, which mandate motorists to yield to white cane users. He also appealed to the FCT Minister to support the Association in securing a permanent national secretariat in Abuja to strengthen its operations.
A major highlight of the celebration was the presentation of assistive devices by Mr. Lawrence Idemudia, NCPWD’s Director of Social Integration. The Commission donated items including Braille machines and paper, Orbit readers, talking watches, slates and styluses, talking calculators, guide canes, and typewriters to support persons with visual impairments nationwide.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards to individuals and organizations recognized for their outstanding advocacy and contributions toward empowering the Nigerian Association of the Blind and advancing disability inclusion across the country.
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