A disability advocacy group, Centre for Infrastructural and Technological Advancement for the Blind, has called on the federal, state, and local governments in Nigeria to prioritise the concerns of the visually impaired.

The group, in a statement by its executive chairman, Jolomi Fenemigho, restated the importance of the October 15 yearly commemoration, noting that it regards and recognises the visually impaired Nigerian community.

Mr Fenemigho stated, “White Cane and Safety Day is a time when we are at our strongest. We unite, regardless of our diverse locations, personalities, traditions, and beliefs, with a single voice, marching to be heard and seen by all. Our guide canes are not tools to be ashamed of, but symbols of determination, perseverance, and fortitude.”

Mr Fenemigho called on concerned authorities to adhere to accessibility standards and policies for the benefit of visually impaired Nigerians.

Decrying the disparity in the quality of education for visually impaired students, the chairman tasked the Ministry of Education, the State Universal Basic Education Board, and the Universal Basic Education Board to work with disability-focused organisations and special needs experts to enhance understanding and improve educational experience for visually impaired Nigerians.

The group also expressed concern over the lack of job opportunities for visually impaired citizens, stressing the need for annual or biannual recruitment exercises into the civil service commission, specifically for the disability community in Nigeria.

CITAB called for an acknowledgement of the visually impaired community’s needs and a sincere address of their concerns by the government.