The Nigeria Association of the Blind, Anambra State chapter has joined their counterparts across the globe to celebrate the 2021 White Cane Safety Day.
The event which took place at Abagana in Njikoka Local Government Area, attracted the visually impaired across Anambra State.
Queen Anigbogu reports that the celebration with the theme ,”Accessibility for All , Safety and Productivity, brought to the fore the critical role the white Cane plays in the lives of the visually impaired and the need for the public to always give them the necessary assistance whenever they see them with the white Cane guide.
Declaring the event open, the Chairman, Nigeria Association of the Blind, Anambra State chapter, Mr Ernest Okamelu, thanked God for the privilege to be alive to witness this year’s celebration and for the love and unity among the members.
He explained that the occasion is an annual event and described the White Cane guide as the eye of the blind which must be given the needed recognition for the safety of the blind in the society.
Mr Okamelu also appreciated Governor Willie Obiano who he described as the comfort of the visually impaired and as well appreciated Chief Valentine Ozigbo for sponsoring the celebration.
In a lecture presentation, Mr Ifeanyi Igwegbe, recounted how the White Cane guide came into existence, its inventor, uses and advantages.
He asked the government to while constructing roads put the blind into consideration, while urging security agencies, motorists and the general public to always treat the visually impaired with empathy.
Earlier the Chairman on the occasion, Mr Martin’s Obi-Mbakwe, frowned at the rascality of some motorists and their lack of knowledge of road safety rules saying that they need to be sensitized on what the white Cane stands for.
During the interactive session, a member of the group, Mr Chukwueloka Somadina, appealed to the media to assist them in enlightening the public about the White Cane guide and its importance in the life of the blind.
Others who spoke including Evangelist Emmanuel Ifeka and Mr Malachy Azike, appealed to motorists especially tricycle operators to treat the blind with empathy whenever and wherever they see them.
Side attraction of the celebration included presentation of free white Cane guide to some members, cultural dance, road show among others.
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