Lagos, Nigeria – October 15, 2025:
As the world commemorates White Cane and Safety Day 2025, the Centre for Infrastructural and Technological Advancement for the Blind (CITAB) has called on all tiers of government, organizations, and the wider public to take concrete action toward improving accessibility, safety, and public awareness for blind and visually impaired Nigerians.
The organization made this appeal in a statement issued in Lagos and signed by its Executive Chairman, Jolomi George Fenemigho, in line with this year’s theme: “Vision Beyond Sight: Celebrating Independence, Resilience, and Recognizing Achievements of the Blind.”
Fenemigho noted that the annual event, observed globally on October 15, is not merely a ceremonial date but a reminder that breaking barriers for blind and visually impaired persons requires more than rhetoric and empty promises.
“The white cane is not just a stick. It is a universal symbol of independence and dignity for people who are blind or visually impaired,” CITAB stated. “Yet, many Nigerians who rely on this vital tool still face dangerous infrastructure, inaccessible walkways, and motorists who disregard their right of way.”
CITAB emphasized that the government must move beyond policy declarations to ensure effective design, implementation, and maintenance of inclusive public spaces. The group also called for stronger enforcement of safety laws protecting cane users and urged collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, and civil society organizations to make inclusion a practical reality.
On the issue of public awareness, CITAB expressed concern over widespread ignorance and indifference toward the rights of blind persons.
“Communities, especially motorists, must understand what the white cane represents,” the statement added. “Respecting the cane is not just courtesy—it’s the law and a sign of respect for human rights. Public enlightenment is the backbone of changing attitudes and reducing the daily risks faced by blind Nigerians.”
Reflecting on the global significance of the observance, Fenemigho described White Cane and Safety Day as both a celebration of progress and a call to renewed commitment.
“Since 1964, the day has served as a wake-up call to society to ensure full inclusion of blind persons. It is not merely for speeches, but a challenge to leaders, planners, engineers, and citizens to build environments where everyone can thrive,” he said.
CITAB also highlighted ongoing barriers such as unsafe road designs, poor infrastructure, and inadequate access to assistive technologies, stressing that accessibility should be viewed as a matter of justice, not charity.
Fenemigho concluded with a strong call to action, urging all stakeholders to take responsibility for making Nigeria a safer, more inclusive society.
“Accessibility and safety for white cane users should be a walk in the park, not an obstacle course,” he said. “Let’s stop the lip service and make inclusion a reality that Nigerians live and breathe every single day.”
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