By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
As the world marks International White Cane Awareness Day on October 15, 2023, the Nigerian Association of the Blind is deeply troubled by the exorbitant prices of white cane sticks in the country. This price surge is primarily attributed to fluctuating foreign exchange rates, particularly the value of the dollar and other foreign currencies required for importing white canes into Nigeria.
Mallam Ibrahim Abubakar, the Chairman of the Kaduna State Association of the Blind, voiced these concerns during a group discussion with members at the Kaduna Rehabilitation Board to commemorate this year’s International White Cane Awareness Day.
Abubakar highlighted the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals who often resort to makeshift sticks or wooden supports due to the prohibitive cost of white canes. The price of white canes in Nigeria currently ranges from 15,000 to 20,000 Nigerian Naira, rendering them unaffordable for many economically disadvantaged blind individuals.
White canes play a crucial role in enabling the blind and visually impaired to navigate the world safely and independently. Abubakar stressed that independence and empowerment are significantly enhanced by the ability to move through one’s environment without reliance on a sighted person.
Mrs. Queen David, an adviser to the Blind Association of Nigeria, appealed to organizations such as Rotary International clubs, UNICEF, WHO, and child protection organizations, as well as state and federal governments and the Network of Peace Journalists (NPJ), to assist by providing white canes. She emphasized the importance of enabling blind individuals to walk freely and independently, just like any other member of society.
This year, International White Cane Day coincided with International Sight Day 2023, highlighting the global need for awareness and support in safeguarding the lives of blind children. Mrs. David also called for Braille typing machines to be made available in all schools catering to blind children across the 36 states of Nigeria.
