By Morenike Taire

The Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind (FNSB) has called for stronger collaboration, improved accessibility, and full enforcement of the White Cane Law to support the safe mobility and independence of blind and visually impaired persons in Lagos State. The call was made during the Society’s annual White Cane Mobility & Independence Workshop held in Lagos.

Chairman of the Executive Council, Mrs. Arit Tunde-Imoyo, described the workshop as a crucial platform for driving advocacy and collective action. She emphasised the need for government agencies, transport authorities, disability organisations, and community members to work together to ensure visually impaired persons can move safely and confidently within their environment.

“For 70 years, FNSB has remained committed to empowering blind persons through rehabilitation, education, advocacy and skills development,” she said. She added that the white cane symbolises freedom and empowerment, but its full value depends on accessible walkways, trained transport workers and public respect for the rights of visually impaired persons.

Convener of Arike Eye Care Support Foundation, and visually impaired,Mr. Kolapo Abiodun, donated 50 guide canes to students and teachers, urging government bodies and private organisations to invest in long-term disability inclusion.

Visually impaired lawyer, Barr. Emeka Oriku, called for dignity, respect and better public treatment of blind persons, noting that discrimination remains common in markets and public spaces.

In his keynote address

General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, represented by Mr. Bamgbasa Suleiman Olatunji, Director of Safety Standards, reiterated the agency’s commitment to protecting all vulnerable road users.

He explained that the theme, “Safe Mobility, Shared Responsibility,” highlights the collective duty of government, communities and individuals in creating inclusive mobility systems.

“Safe mobility is not an option-it is a right,” the General Manager said. He stressed the need for disability-friendly policies, proper infrastructure planning, audible traffic signals, tactile walkways, and strict enforcement of accessibility laws.

Citing WHO statistics, he noted that 2.2 billion people live with vision impairment globally, with Nigeria accounting for 1.3 million blind persons.

The workshop featured a musical and drama presentation by visually impaired students demonstrating the correct use of the white cane and techniques for supporting blind individuals.

LASTMA Deputy Director Safety Department, Abiodun-Adeniyi Olufunke, praised the students’ performance and assured that the agency would continue training its personnel on supporting visually impaired citizens.

FNSB expressed appreciation to all partners and supporters for sustaining the White Cane Workshop.