Visually impaired Lagos residents have called on the government to improve road safety and provide accessible infrastructure. They also want the government to create more employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
According to TheCable, the appeal was made on Thursday during the 2026 International White Cane Safety Day celebration in Lagos. The event was themed “White Cane: Navigating Without Limits.”
Participants embarked on an awareness walk from King’s College Annex, Victoria Island, to Our Saviour’s Church hall near Tafawa Balewa Square.
The exercise aimed to educate the public about the importance of white canes in helping visually impaired persons move safely. It also aimed to show how they can move independently.
Visually impaired residents seek safer roads
The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Adeola Aina, urged the government to prioritise road safety and improve accessibility for people with visual impairments.
He appealed to motorists and pedestrians to recognise white cane users and respect their right of way.
Aina also called for greater employment opportunities and skills acquisition programmes. In addition, he requested financial grants to help visually impaired persons achieve economic independence.
He stressed the need for policies that would enable persons with disabilities to participate fully in society without unnecessary restrictions.
Disability laws need enforcement
The Executive Secretary of the Federal Nigerian Society for the Blind, Oluwamayowa Oke, acknowledged efforts by the Lagos State Government to promote disability inclusion.
However, he maintained that existing legislation would make little difference without proper implementation.
“A law is just a law on paper if it’s not implemented,” Oke said.
He urged authorities to ensure that disability protection laws translate into meaningful opportunities. In particular, he stressed their importance in employment and access to essential services.
Oke explained that independence should not be limited to the ability to move around without assistance.
According to him, visually impaired persons should also be able to secure employment and establish families. They should be able to own homes without facing discrimination or unnecessary barriers.
Organisations pledge support for visually impaired persons
The Deputy Manager of Literacy and Programmes at the Bible Society of Nigeria, Tope Omogbemi, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting persons with visual impairments.
He explained that the society provides accessible Bible formats to ensure that people with disabilities can engage with religious materials.
“BSN is committed to making the Bible available to every Nigerian in their preferred language and format, and we are particularly interested in the blind,” Omogbemi said.
“This is why we partner with the National Association for the Blind every year in celebrating International White Cane Day.”
Similarly, the Lions Club District Projects Coordinator for 2026/2027, Funmi Alabi, advocated improved employment opportunities and business support for visually impaired persons.
As part of its contribution to the celebration, the Lions Club donated nearly 80 white canes. Furthermore, it deployed volunteers to assist participants during the awareness walk.
The event concluded with renewed appeals for stronger implementation of disability protection laws and safer public spaces. In addition, there were calls for greater economic inclusion for visually impaired Nigerians.
