“Wherever and whenever you encounter a visually impaired individual, kindly approach them with the question, ‘How may I be of help?’”
These heartfelt words were spoken by Mrs. Nonye Soludo, wife of the Governor of Anambra State. It was during the unveiling of the inaugural White Cane Campaign for the Visually Impaired, organised by the Anambra State Signage & Advertisement Agency (ANSAA).
She said: “Aware of so many challenges that people with impairment face in search of jobs and other helpful vocations, we’ve concluded that these people will henceforth be given special attention in any recruitment process that involves the state government.
“We’ll also look at other ways to make it easier for these special people. Of course, my NGO will continue to partner with them in helpful areas.”
MD/CEO, ANSAA, Tony Odili Ujubuoñu, appreciated the wife of the governor for partnering with ANSAA: “What ANSAA sells is ‘Anya Ora’ which is the opportunity to see.
“We sell the opportunity to see through signage and advertisements and because the visually impaired cannot see what we sell, we decided through our Corporate Social Responsibility Project to give back to them so as to enable them to see and enjoy what other people in the society enjoy.”
The National Association of the Blind (NAB), expressed appreciation to ANSAA and Mrs Soludo for their special support, “thereby, making the visually impaired in Anambra feel that indeed, solution is here.
“The campaign message is clear: ‘Be my sight. Be my guide. Whenever you see the cane, ask if I need help.’
Ndi Anambra needs to understand that the white cane is a tool for visually impaired individuals to navigate their surroundings safely and independently.
“There’s no need to shout warnings or physically interfere with the movement of their cane so they don’t bump into things. Remember that they are only using their canes to explore what is around them.
“If you encounter someone with a white cane, do not hesitate to help them, if they need assistance. If you are driving or cycling and see someone using a white cane, please kindly stop to give that person the right of way.”