The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, (FMWASD) has established Braille press and libraries in six locations in Nigeria in efforts to make the visually impaired marketable in the society and encourage Braille literacy.
The Minister, FMWASD, Aisha Abubakar in a road work to celebrate this year White Cane day for the visually impaired in the society called on professionals in Braille Education and Library who know how these centres can be utilised to partner with the Ministry because the important of Braille Literacy to the independence of the blind in any society cannot be overemphasised.
Abubakar also called on road users to protect the visually impaired persons on our roads adding that this administration is convinced that inclusive society cannot be realistic without the good road manner by road users and the ability in disability cannot be tapped if visually impaired are not safe on our roads.
“The safety of Persons with Disability (PWDs) is prominent in the agenda of this administration,” she said.
She further urged the beneficiaries of the device to put them into good use by ensuring that they move with them always and enjoined road users, especially motorists and pedestrians to be alert and provide support and assistance to persons using white cane on roads.
The permanent secretary in the Ministry, Ifeoma Anabogwu also said, since the invention of the White Cane, it has become a significant instrument in the hands of the visually impaired while adding that it is the responsibility of all of us to help them overcome their challenges.