A Humanitarian service organisation, Lions Club, has reaffirmed commitment to supporting persons with visual impairment through mobility assistance, inclusive programmes and skills development.
The club together with the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) and other partners made the commitment during a walk organised by the Nigeria Association of the Blind on Thursday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the walk is part of activities to mark the 2026 International White Cane and Safety Day.
Speaking, Mrs Funmi Alabi, the Chairperson, Global Service Team, District 404A3, Lions Club, said the club maintained an annual partnership with the Nigeria Association of the Blind to promote inclusion.
Alabi, who represents Ikorodu Diamonds Lions Club, described the celebration as an opportunity to recognise the abilities of persons with visual impairment and promote their participation in society.
“There is ability in disability,” she said.
She said that members of the club joined participants on a walk from King’s College Annex to Our Saviour’s Church at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.
According to her, club members guided participants along the route to prevent falls and joined them in dancing and celebrating.
The chairperson said that the activities also featured an exchange of branded shirts between the organisations and the donation of white canes to support independent mobility.
Alabi reaffirmed the club’s commitment to promoting the welfare and inclusion of persons with visual impairment.
Also, an official of BSN, Godwin Odia, said the organisation partnered with the Nigeria Association of the Blind annually to mark the celebration.
Odia said that the society provided volunteers to assist participants during the walk, transportation, press coverage and media publicity.
He said that the society’s commitment to persons with visual impairment extended beyond the annual celebration to include Bible distribution and educational programmes.
According to him, the society provides Braille Bibles free of charge through donations from well-meaning Nigerians.
The official also identified the annual “You Can Be Their Eyes Bible Quiz” as another initiative designed for students in schools for the blind, with prizes awarded to contestants.
Odia called for increased support and inclusive programmes for persons with visual impairment, while appreciating individuals and organisations contributing to the success of the celebration.
On his part, Mr Adejola Aina, Chairman of the Planning and Organising Committee of the 2026 International White Cane and Safety Day, called for stronger enforcement of disability laws.
Aina said that government policies designed to protect persons with disabilities required effective implementation to ensure access to employment, accessible environments and participation in governance.
He said that the five per cent employment quota for persons with disabilities was often not implemented, while the absence of penalties for non-compliance weakened its effectiveness.
“The five per cent employment quota is there, really on paper, but in a number of cases, people don’t adhere to it, and there are no penalties set for it,” he said.
Aina identified the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, and the Lagos State Special Peoples Law as important legal frameworks for promoting inclusion.
He said 2026 theme, “Navigating Without Limits”, highlighted the ability of persons with visual impairment to achieve their aspirations when provided with appropriate training, reasonable accommodation and inclusive opportunities.
Aina said that the annual celebration also provided an opportunity to engage government and other stakeholders on translating disability policies into practical benefits.
Also speaking, member of the 2026 White Cane Day Committee Junaid Hammed urged persons with visual impairment to develop their skills and remain determined in spite of societal barriers.
Hammed said that persons with visual impairment were professionals in their own right and should not allow societal limitations to prevent them from achieving their aspirations.
“We should not give up. We are professionals in our own way, and we cannot allow the factors of society to limit us. We are limitless,” he said.
He described unity, self-development and independence as important messages of the celebration, adding that the white cane remained essential for promoting mobility and independence.
Hammed urged persons with visual impairment to remain committed to personal and professional development while calling for greater societal support for their inclusion.
NAN reports that the Lions Club donated white canes to persons with visual impairment at the event. (NAN)
