BSN Celebrates 2024 White Cane and Safety Day with the Blind
Staff of The Bible Society of Nigeria serving as guides to the members of Nigeria Society of the Blind during the walk to commemorate the International White Cane and Safety Day.
The Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) joined the blind community in Lagos on October 15, 2024, to celebrate the 2024 International White Cane and Safety Day.
Selected staff members of BSN served as volunteer guides during the 6-kilometre walk organised by the Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB), Lagos State Chapter, in commemoration of this year’s International White Cane and Safety Day themed, “The White Cane, My Symbol of Independence and Confidence.” The walk began at Ojo Military Cantonment and ended at Buba Marwa Auditorium, Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos.
Apart from ensuring the safety of NAB members throughout the walk, BSN also conveyed some of them who could not continue with the walk due to exhaustion to Buba Marwa Auditorium in LASU, where the walk terminated.
Speaking at the event, the General Secretary/CEO of The Bible Society of Nigeria, Pastor Samuel Sanusi, who was represented by Mr. Benjamin Mordi, Manager, Media & Public Relations, said that The Society partnered with the NAB to celebrate the annual International White Cane and Safety Day to identify with the association in a demonstration of how much the organisation values them. He added that BSN not only supports the yearly event but also ensures that the Braille Bible is available to them for free, coupled with the Bible quiz it organises annually to help them engage with the Scriptures and find meaning for their lives through the Word and love of God.
Mr Adeola Aina, the Vice Chairman, of the Nigeria Association of the Blind, Lagos State, said that the walk provides them with an opportunity to create awareness about the blind community, demonstrate their ability and agility, and draw the attention of the government to the need to put in place policies and structures that will help the blind interact freely without much difficulty.
Mr Babatunde Mohammed, immediate past Chairman of the Association, Lagos State, and Chairman, of the Planning Committee for the 2024 edition, said that the programme is aimed at celebrating the importance of the white cane and how it guides members to move from place to place. According to him, they also use the opportunity to celebrate their achievements.