The Wife of the Governor of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has joined the blind community in the state to commemorate the International White Cane Safety Day, reaffirming her commitment to raising awareness and advocating for the rights, independence, and dignity of persons with visual impairments.
The event, held at Abia Hotel, Aba, on Wednesday, celebrates the achievements of the blind and highlights the white cane as a symbol of hope, mobility, and independence.
Mrs. Otti, represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs. Chinenye Nwaka, expressed that the Abia State Government under Governor Alex Otti is committed to building an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of physical ability, can thrive and contribute meaningfully.
Representative of the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Chinenye Nwaka during the event
According to her, “yesterday we donated 100 white canes to visually impaired individuals, this gesture, though simple, represents hope, independence, and the freedom to move with confidence.”
She called on all stakeholders, disability organizations, educational institutions, civil society, and the general public to commit to breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive and accessible society for all.
In his remarks, Mr. Isaac Okwudiri, Chairman of the National Association for the Blind, Abia State chapter, praised Mrs. Otti for her continued support and partnership. He urged the public to promote inclusivity, raise awareness, and uphold the white cane as a vital symbol of independence and identity for the visually impaired.
Cross section of people with visual impairment with the representative of the wife of the Governor Mrs. Chinenye Nwaka 8th from left during the event
Chief Agilemchukwu Cornelius, a guest lecturer emphasized the importance of white cane as a mobility tool for the user.
He noted that white cane allows people who are visually impaired to navigate the world around them safely and independently.
