The Akwa Ibom State government has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and the dignity of persons living with disabilities, as the state joined the rest of the world to mark the 2025 International White Cane Safety Day.
The event, which has as its theme: “Vision beyond sight: Celebrating independence, resilience, and recognising achievement of the blind,” was held at the Women Development Centre, IBB Avenue, Uyo.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Emem Ibanga, described the day as “a celebration of courage, strength, and achievement” of the blind and visually impaired persons, noting that “sight is a gift but vision is a choice.”
She commended Governor Umo Eno for his humanitarian leadership and inclusive policies that have transformed the lives of persons with disabilities across the state.
“Our governor runs an administration that truly reflects the heart of a shepherd, one that sees ability, not disability, one that recognises every Akwa Ibomite as a stakeholder in the Arise Agenda,” she said.
Chairman of the National Association of the Blind (NAB), Mr. Nsikak Udo, noted that the white cane is not just a tool for mobility, but a symbol of dignity, autonomy, and empowerment for the visually impaired.
He said that “while the cane grants access, it is society’s responsibility to remove barriers, both physical and attitudinal, that hinder persons with disabilities.”
He described the day’s event as a reminder of the collective duty to make communities accessible and inclusive, adding that Akwa Ibom’s model of governance continues to distinguish it among the committee of nations that prioritize all citizens, including those with disabilities.
He also highlighted the strategic collaboration with Total Inclusion Limited, First Bank Limited, and GTE, emphasizing that the partnership signals a shift “from policy to practice, and from intentions to impact.”
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These alliances, he said, will strengthen ongoing initiatives aimed at empowering persons with disabilities through education, skills development, and social inclusion.
National President of the National Association of the Blind, Mr. Stanley Oyebutu, appreciated the government for its role in stabilizing the association in the state and appealed that capacity training, especially in ICT, be organised for the disabled clusters in the state.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Total Inclusion Limited, Mr. David Okon, expressed appreciation that the event had taken place, and encouraged persons with disabilities to tell their stories and their achievements to the world
Also, the representative of First Bank Nigerian Limited, Aniekpeno Etim, stated that the bank has developed innovations that embrace everybody, including people with disabilities.
