Federal Govt Felicitates With Visually Impaired Persons, Seeks Awareness

The minister of humanitarian affairs, disaster management and social development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, has felicitated with persons with disabilities and especially the visually impaired as the world marked this year’s “White Cane Safety Day” yesterday.

White Cane Day was started in the United States, when the then US President Lyndon Johnson and the US Congress signed a joint resolution on 6th October, 1964, proclaiming 15th October of every year as White Cane Safety Day.

Umar Farouq in a statement yesterday in Abuja said the day is meant to raise awareness on the importance of White Cane and its role in the lives of the blind and visually impaired persons, as well as celebrate their achievements.

“A White Cane is an important mobility tool for the blind or visually impaired persons, as well as the symbol of their independence. The history of White Canes dates back to the early 20th century and is painted white to be more easily visible.

“White Cane Safety Day celebration has been adopted by many other countries after the United States and features a lot of activities ranging from road walks, film shows, press conferences/releases, and other social events to showcase the White Cane,” she said.

The minister, however, encouraged everybody to ensure an inclusive society, for our teeming visually impaired community.