BSN promotes inclusivity at 2025 International White Cane and Safety Day

BSN promotes inclusivity at 2025 International White Cane and Safety Day

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.

The Bible Society made the commitment as the world marked the 2025 International White Cane and Safety Day on Wednesday 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 Programmess of the 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’ Quiz Competition for the Blind to support education and social inclusion,” he said.

He urged government agencies and private organisations to integrate inclusivity into their policies and to leverage the creativity and potential of persons with visual impairments.

“The blind community is full of talented individuals excelling in diverse field.

We urge both government and corporate entities to enact and enforce inclusive policies that ensure access, participation, and equal opportunities for all,” he added.

Also speaking, 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.

He noted that over 500 visually impaired participants benefited from this year’s outreach, made possible through the support of corporate partners.

Representing one of such partners, Mrs. Kelechi Ogbuaku, Deputy General Manager and Head of Commercial Banking, Zenith Bank Plc, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment for persons with disabilities.

“At Zenith Bank, we believe in ability even in disability. We are proud to identify with the visually impaired and will continue to champion inclusion within our workforce and in the communities we serve,” she said.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Association of the Blind, Lagos State Chapter, Mr Babatunde Safiu, commended the Bible Society of Nigeria and other sponsors such as Zenith Bank and Sterling bank for their continued support.

Sefiu explained that the white cane symbolizes independence, guidance, and empowerment for the blind.

“The white cane is not just a walking aid; it is our identity and independence. It helps us navigate safely and confidently in society,” he stated.

“We urge the public to respect the white cane, and when offering help, always ask our members if they needed assistant,” Sefiu added.