Visual impaired persons advocate for inclusive policies as the world marks White Cane Day

By Muazu Sani Mohammed, Bauchi

The celebration of World White Cane Day in Bauchi brought together individuals with visual impairments and visual stakeholders to raise awareness about the challenges they face and advocate for inclusive policies.

Speaking at the event in Bauchi, the National President of the National Association for the Blind, Comrade Stanley Nnamdi Onyebuchi, stressed the significance of the day, explaining that it’s not only a day of awareness but a platform to discuss the safety and rights of the visually impaired, especially with the use of guide canes.

Comrade Onyebuchi also took the opportunity to highlight the needs of visually impaired individuals, urging the government to provide employment opportunities and access to healthcare.
He submitted a document listing unemployed individuals with visual impairments in Bauchi and appealed for free healthcare for all persons living with disabilities in the state.

Also speaking at the event was Muhammad Abba Isah, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, who conveyed a message from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He noted that Bauchi was chosen as the host of this year’s celebration due to Governor Bala Mohammed’s long-standing support for persons with disabilities.

Abba Isah revealed that under the Beyond Disability Project, over 36,000 job opportunities will be created for persons with disabilities nationwide, and he called for more efforts to provide assistive devices to help the visually impaired become self-reliant and contribute to national development.

Ibrahim Muhammad Kashim, the Secretary to the Bauchi State Government, assured attendees that the state government remains committed to improving the lives of people with disabilities.

He promised to convey their requests to Governor Bala Mohammed, emphasizing that the government’s priority is to take care of its people.