— Calls for greater empowerment and orientation for visually impaired Nigerians
By Agbo Christian Obiora
In a passionate call for greater inclusion and independence for persons with visual impairment, Total Inclusion Limited (TIL) has urged the Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB) to employ mobility and orientation officers in all its branches across the country. These officers, the organization said, would be responsible for training blind and visually impaired persons in the effective use of the white cane, a globally recognized symbol of independence and self-reliance.
The Chief Executive Officer of TIL, Mr. David Okon, made this appeal during the 2025 International White Cane Safety Day celebration held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Thursday. The event, themed “Vision Beyond Sight,” was organized by the Akwa Ibom State branch of NAB in partnership with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
Okon, in his inspiring remarks, described the white cane as “more than just a tool for navigation — it is a symbol of independence, dignity, and empowerment for blind people.” He emphasized that the symbolic and practical essence of the white cane could be lost if those who need it most are not properly trained in how to use it.
“A white cane in the hands of a person who has not received proper mobility and orientation training is like giving someone a vehicle without teaching them how to drive,” Okon said. “That is why it is important for NAB to have trained officers in every office to guide members on the correct use of this powerful tool.”
The TIL boss further explained that proper orientation in white cane usage could also change societal perceptions and address workplace concerns. He noted that many employers often express hesitation when hiring persons with visual impairment due to fears about how such employees would commute to and from work safely.
“With proper training, a visually impaired person can confidently move from home to office, from the market to the bus stop, or even to a new environment without depending on others,” he added. “This confidence not only enhances their independence but also reassures employers that disability does not mean inability.”
Mr. Okon also called on governments at all levels — federal, state, and local — to institutionalize mobility and orientation officers within ministries and agencies that work with persons with disabilities. According to him, these officers could play a vital role in promoting community-based rehabilitation and accessibility.
“Imagine having trained officers in every local government who can teach blind persons how to navigate their community — from their homes to nearby schools, churches, markets, and hospitals. That is what real inclusion looks like,” he stressed.
He commended the Akwa Ibom State chapter of NAB for their commitment to the empowerment of persons with visual impairment and praised the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs for its partnership in marking the White Cane Day. Okon urged other states to emulate Akwa Ibom by organizing similar awareness events that celebrate the resilience and capabilities of blind persons.
The International White Cane Safety Day, observed annually on October 15, is dedicated to recognizing the importance of the white cane as both a mobility tool and a symbol of independence for persons who are blind or visually impaired. The day also serves as a reminder to the public to respect the rights and movement of cane users on streets and public spaces.
As the event came to a close, participants echoed TIL’s call for stronger collaboration among government agencies, disability organizations, and the private sector to ensure that every person with visual impairment in Nigeria has access to the training, tools, and opportunities needed to live independently.
With voices like David Okon’s leading the charge, the message was clear: true inclusion begins when every person, regardless of disability, can move freely, safely, and confidently through society — guided not by limitation, but by empowerment.
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