The Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN), in partnership with the Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB), Lagos State Chapter, has reiterated its commitment to promoting inclusivity and equality for persons with visual impairments.

BSN made the commitment as NAB Lagos State Chapter joined the world to celebrate the 2025 International White Cane and Safety Day on October 15, 2025, in Lagos.  The event, themed, “White Cane, My Identity: Promoting an Inclusive and Safe Culture for the Blind,” drew over 500 visually impaired persons, partners, and advocates, highlighting the global call for accessibility, safety, and social inclusion for persons with disabilities.

Speaking at the event, Mr Temitope Omogbemi, Deputy Manager, Research, Literacy and Programmes of BSN, said The Society has maintained a longstanding partnership with the NAB to ensure that no one is excluded from accessing the Word of God.

“At The Bible Society of Nigeria, we make the Word of God available in different formats and ensure that nobody is deprived of access, irrespective of their condition. We have special editions for the blind, including Braille Bibles, which we provide free of charge. We also organise programmes such as the ‘You Can Be Their Eyes’ Bible Quiz for the Blind to support education and social inclusion”, he said.

Mr. Omogbemi urged government agencies and private organisations to integrate inclusiveness into their policies and to leverage the creativity and potential of people with visual impairments, adding that the blind community is full of talented individuals excelling in diverse fields.

Speaking further, he called on both government and corporate entities to enact and enforce inclusive policies that would ensure access, participation, and equal opportunities for all.

Also speaking during the event, Mr. Adeola Aina, Chairman, Planning and Organising Committee for the 2025 International White Cane and Safety Day, called on the government to strengthen the legal framework protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.

He highlighted key legislations such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the National Disability Prohibition Act (2018), and the Lagos State Special People’s Law, urging authorities to ensure their full implementation.

“We are calling on government at all levels to give practical effect to these laws — from education to employment, healthcare, and access to public infrastructure. Accessibility and inclusion are not privileges; they are rights,” he said.

Each year, The Bible Society of Nigeria releases some of its staff members to serve as guides to members of the Nigeria Association of the Blind during their walk. It also uses its staff bus to convey those who are unable to complete the walk.