A lawyer and disability rights advocate, Barrister Olayinka Komolafe, has made a case for the inclusion of visually impaired persons in governance and decision-making, saying government needs to amend relevant constitutional provisions and fully implement existing disability laws.
Komolafe made the call while delivering a lecture in Abeokuta to commemorate the 2026 International White Cane and Safety Day, organised by the Lions Club International, District 404B-4 Nigeria Region 10 and 11 (Abeokuta axis), in partnership with the Nigeria Association of the Blind.
Speaking on the theme, ‘Knights of the Blind in the Modern Era: Championing Mobility, Digital Financial Access and Livelihood Inclusion for Persons with Visual Impairments’, Komolafe stressed the need to give persons with visual impairment the opportunity to participate in decisions affecting their lives.
He noted that inclusive representation would enable them to communicate their experiences, address their challenges and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The lawyer also called for the full enforcement of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, which was signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2019.
According to him, persons with visual impairments continue to face significant challenges moving from one place to another, partly because of inadequate infrastructure, poor enforcement of road safety regulations and negative societal attitudes.
He acknowledged the importance of white canes and other mobility aids but maintained that such measures alone were insufficient without accessible transport systems, pedestrian crossings, walkways and appropriate technological support.
“The inclusion of persons with disabilities, especially the visually impaired, is what we seek from the government because nobody can tell our story better than us.
“We know what we feel and how it affects us. It is time for the Disability Rights Act of 2018, signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2019, to be fully enforced,” Komolafe said.
He further lamented that transport operators often failed to demonstrate adequate consideration for persons with disabilities, stressing that providing mobility aids without improving road infrastructure and enforcing existing regulations would not sufficiently address their challenges.
Komolafe added that provisions requiring accessible pedestrian crossings and walkways must be implemented rather than left on paper.
He also called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to begin the implementation of Disability Law which was passed into law under former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, maintaining that the implementation of this law would help make life much more comfortable and rewarding for people living with one form of disability or the other.
In her opening remarks, the chairperson of the Association of the Blind in Abeokuta South, Olatayo Oluwatomisin, expressed appreciation to members for the confidence reposed in her leadership and thanked the Lions Club in the Abeokuta axis for supporting the programme.
She urged members to believe in themselves and avoid allowing their present circumstances to limit their aspirations.
Oluwatomisin emphasised the importance of self-determination, resilience and emotional strength, encouraging members to remain focused on their goals and rise above setbacks.
Also speaking, the chairperson of the Lions Club’s Sight and Vision Programme, Lion Mumeen Akinsanya, said the event was designed to raise public awareness about the challenges faced by visually impaired persons and promote their inclusion in society.
He explained that the programme featured a sensitisation walk and a lecture to educate the public about the capabilities of persons with visual impairments and the need to support them in achieving their full potential.
Akinsanya noted that although the Lions Club traditionally organised free eye examinations and distributed eyeglasses, it decided to adopt a broader approach this year by incorporating public awareness activities.
“Before, we usually provided free eye check-ups and gave out glasses, but we decided to mark this year’s event differently.
“That is why we included the walk and the lecture to educate everyone, not only persons with visual impairments,” he said.
In his presentation, the guest medical expert, Dr Madu Chiemezie, identified glaucoma, cataracts and other eye conditions as major causes of blindness. He also warned against self-medication and highlighted the importance of monitoring blood pressure and maintaining healthy dietary habits.
Chiemezie advised members of the public to undergo regular eye examinations, monitor their blood pressure, eat healthily and avoid taking medication without appropriate medical guidance.
The programme also featured free eye examinations, the distribution of medications and an empowerment initiative for selected members of the visually impaired community.
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