A March for Dignity, Independence, and Inclusion
The Federal Capital Territory came alive on Tuesday, October 15, 2025, as the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), in collaboration with the Nigerian Association of the Blind (NAB), led hundreds of persons with visual impairments, advocates, and allies in a symbolic march to commemorate International White Cane Day.
The annual event, celebrated globally since 1964, is dedicated to promoting the independence, dignity, and mobility of persons with visual impairments. It serves as a powerful reminder of society’s collective responsibility to ensure inclusion, accessibility, and respect for the rights of all persons with disabilities.
This year’s celebration in Abuja began with a sensitization walk from Eagle Square to the National Women Development Centre, a powerful display of solidarity and advocacy. With participants donning white canes and placards bearing messages of inclusion, the walk drew attention from residents and commuters — igniting conversations about accessibility, empathy, and equality.
Delivering his address at the event, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, described the white cane as more than just a mobility tool, but “a symbol of dignity, freedom, and self-reliance.”
“The white cane reminds us of the responsibility we all share in ensuring that persons with visual impairments are empowered to navigate society safely and confidently,” Hon. Gufwan said. “As a Commission, we remain committed to advancing this vision through inclusive education programs that enable learners with visual impairments to access quality schooling. We are also working with stakeholders to ensure the availability of assistive technologies and accessible learning materials nationwide.”
Hon. Gufwan further emphasized the NCPWD’s ongoing collaborations with federal and state governments to promote inclusive infrastructure, ensuring that public buildings, transportation systems, and digital platforms are accessible to all citizens. He also noted that the Commission is investing in economic empowerment initiatives to enable persons with visual impairments to participate fully in the workforce and live independently.
“On this White Cane Day, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to breaking down barriers, promoting accessibility, and ensuring that persons with visual impairments live with independence, dignity, and equal opportunity,” he concluded.
Representing the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, was Mr. Andrew Amos, Assistant Chief Social Welfare Officer, who reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to inclusive governance. He highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that “no one is left behind,” pledging continued collaboration with NCPWD and the Nigerian Association of the Blind to strengthen policies and programs that protect the rights of persons with disabilities across Nigeria.
In his remarks, Mr. Theophilus Odaodu, representative of the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), emphasized that advocacy must remain continuous and intentional. He noted that White Cane Day is a strong reminder of the global commitment to accessibility and empowerment for all persons with disabilities, particularly those with visual impairments.
The National President of the Nigerian Association of the Blind, Mr. Onyebuchi Stanley Nnamdi, used the occasion to call on government at all levels to enforce White Cane Laws, which mandate motorists to yield to pedestrians using white canes. He also made a passionate appeal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to support the Association in securing a national secretariat in Abuja, to enhance the efficiency of its operations and advocacy efforts.
One of the most inspiring highlights of the celebration was the presentation of assistive devices to empower persons with visual impairments across the country. The items, presented by Mr. Lawrence Idemudia, Director of Social Integration at NCPWD, included Braille machines and paper, Orbit readers, talking calculators, guide canes, Braille and talking watches, slates and styluses, and typewriters, among others. These tools are designed to enhance accessibility, learning, and independence for persons with visual impairments.
The event culminated in a heartwarming awards ceremony, where individuals and organizations were recognized for their exceptional contributions to disability inclusion and their unwavering support for the Nigerian Association of the Blind.
As the white canes swayed in unison under the Abuja sun, the message was clear — a more inclusive Nigeria is possible when every citizen is empowered to move with dignity and confidence.
The 2025 International White Cane Day celebration not only honored the resilience of persons with visual impairments but also reignited a national conversation about building an inclusive society — one where accessibility is not a privilege but a right.
