As the world marks International White Cane and Safety Day on October 15th, the Centre for Infrastructural and Technological Advancement for the Blind (CITAB) has urged all levels of government in Nigeria to prioritize the concerns of Blind Persons. In a press statement issued on Tuesday and signed by Mr. Jolomi Fenemigho, the Executive Chairman of CITAB, the organization highlighted the critical challenges faced by the blind community and the urgent need for meaningful action.
Celebrating Strength and Unity through the White Cane
Fenemigho described White Cane and Safety Day as a powerful symbol of unity, determination, and resilience for the blind community, emphasizing its importance in raising awareness about the rights and needs of the blind.
“White Cane and Safety Day is a time when we are at our strongest. We unite, regardless of our diverse locations, personalities, traditions, and beliefs, with a single voice, marching to be heard and seen by all,” Fenemigho said. “Our guide canes are not tools to be ashamed of but symbols of determination, perseverance, and fortitude.”
While the occasion celebrates progress, it also calls for reflection on the gaps in government policies and services for people with visual impairments in Nigeria.
Accessibility: A Broken Promise
One of the key issues CITAB raised is the inaccessibility of public buildings and infrastructure. Fenemigho criticized government officials for ignoring repeated calls to ensure that sidewalks, walkways, bridges, and public buildings comply with accessibility standards.
“For years, the blind community has been complaining about the inaccessibility of public infrastructure, and all our pleas have fallen on deaf ears. We demand that all public structures undergo thorough examination to meet accessibility standards,” he said.
Fenemigho reminded authorities that Part 2, Section 7 of the 2018 Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act mandates accessibility compliance for public infrastructure. He warned that violating these provisions is a criminal offense that could attract fines, imprisonment, or both.
“The law is clear: Any officer who approves a building plan without accessibility provisions commits an offense punishable by a fine of at least N1,000,000 or a two-year jail term,” he stressed. “The government must show seriousness by implementing these laws.”
A Broken Educational System for the Visually Impaired
The educational system for visually impaired students also came under scrutiny. Fenemigho lamented the lack of essential learning tools and the inadequate preparation of mainstream schools to accommodate students with visual impairments.
“Blind students in many schools are left behind, struggling to keep up with their sighted peers,” Fenemigho said. “Where are the braille machines, screen-reader-enabled laptops, and digital note-takers? Without these tools, these students are at a disadvantage.”
He further criticized government agencies like the Ministry of Education, SUBEB, and UBEB for failing to engage with special needs educators and disability organizations to improve learning environments for visually impaired students.
“The Ministry of Education and other agencies are out of touch with the realities of teaching blind students. It’s not just about putting a teacher in front of a class; it’s about having the right people with the passion and skills to make a difference,” he explained.
Fenemigho stressed the need for specialized teacher training programs to equip educators with the knowledge required to meet the unique needs of visually impaired students. “Our teachers need to be more than just qualified—they need to connect and engage with these students meaningfully,” he added.
Employment: A Call for Inclusive Recruitment
The lack of employment opportunities for visually impaired individuals also featured prominently in CITAB’s statement. Fenemigho criticized the government for failing to create meaningful job opportunities for people with disabilities, leaving many struggling economically.
“The government must initiate annual or biannual recruitment drives targeting the disability community to ease the financial burden many face,” he said. “Too many visually impaired graduates are being left behind, forced to beg or rely on charity because they cannot secure employment.”
He further noted that recruitment into the civil service should be based on merit, not connections. “It’s disheartening that in this country, jobs are more about who you know than what you can do,” he remarked.
A Call for Immediate Government Action
In his concluding remarks, Fenemigho urged the local, state, and federal governments to take immediate steps to prioritize the needs of the visually impaired community in Nigeria.
“As we commemorate White Cane and Safety Day, this is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and the areas where efforts have fallen short,” he said. “Accessibility, education, and employment must be top priorities for the government if we are to build a truly inclusive society.”
Fenemigho called on government agencies to collaborate with disability-focused organizations and implement targeted reforms that will create real change.
“The rights and needs of the visually impaired must not only be acknowledged but also acted upon. This is not just about compliance with laws—it’s about creating a society where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive,” he emphasized.
The Path Forward: Turning Words into Action
CITAB’s powerful message on International White Cane and Safety Day serves as both a celebration and a call to action. While the day highlights the resilience of the visually impaired community, it also exposes the systemic failures that continue to marginalize them.
As the government reflects on these issues, the hope is that this year’s celebration will be the beginning of a new chapter—one where policies are enforced, resources are allocated, and opportunities are created for the visually impaired in Nigeria.
“It’s time for the government to back its words with action,” Fenemigho concluded. “The visually impaired community deserves more than promises—they deserve a society that sees them, hears them, and supports them every step of the way.”
