White Cane Day: Olasunkanmi Foundation Supports Visually Impaired Persons In Osun

The Olusegun Elijah Olasunkanmi Foundation has distributed food items to persons with visual impairment as part of activities marking this year’s International White Cane Safety Day celebration organised by the Osun State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of the Blind in Osogbo, the state capital.

The foundation, through the gesture, reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian services, social inclusion and support for vulnerable members of society.

Speaking during the event, the founder of the foundation, Olusegun Elijah Olasunkanmi, who was represented by Miss Taofeekat Abifarin, said the organisation identified with persons living with visual impairment because of its belief in their worth and the need to make them feel valued and accepted in society.

Abifarin said the foundation was at the event to celebrate with the participants and provide support, stressing that persons with disabilities should not be made to feel rejected or neglected.

“We are here today to support them because we believe they are special, and we need to identify with them and let them know that they are special. We should not allow them to feel rejected by society.

“We are celebrating with them, and we are supporting them. This is not the first time we are doing this; it is something we have been doing for years,” she said.

She added that the foundation remained committed to initiatives that improve the welfare of individuals and communities, particularly those who require additional support to overcome social and economic challenges.

The Olusegun Elijah Olasunkanmi Foundation has, over the years, implemented various life-changing programmes across Osun State and beyond, including empowerment initiatives, educational support and humanitarian services aimed at improving lives and promoting community development.

The Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Nigeria Association of the Blind, Adebayo Muritala David, appreciated the foundation for its support and sustained humanitarian efforts.

David commended the organisation for demonstrating compassion and maintaining its commitment to community development, describing such gestures as important in promoting inclusion and improving the welfare of persons with disabilities.

He also encouraged persons living with disabilities not to lose hope, urging them to remain determined and recognise their potential despite the challenges they might face.

“In every disability, there is ability. Once you are still alive, there is still hope,” he said.

He called on individuals, organisations and other stakeholders to continue supporting persons with disabilities and creating opportunities for them to contribute meaningfully to society.

CityMirrorNews International White Cane Safety Day is observed globally on October 15 each year to raise awareness of the importance of the white cane in promoting the independence, mobility and safety of people who are blind or visually impaired.

The day also provides an opportunity to promote public understanding of the challenges faced by persons with visual impairment and the need to ensure their inclusion, dignity and equal participation in society.