White Cane Day: YASA Foundation Founder Hosts Visually Impaired Persons, Supports Them With Assistive Devices.

Philanthropist and Founder of YASA Foundation, Yeye(Dr) Afolashade Shona-Aluko, has called for greater inclusion, equal opportunities and respect for persons with disabilities, urging Nigerians to look beyond physical limitations and recognise the abilities and potential of every individual.

Yeye Shona-Aluko made the call during activities marking International White Cane Safety Day, where she hosted persons with visual Impairment.

She said her experience had reinforced her conviction that disability should never be regarded as a barrier to achievement, self-reliance and meaningful participation in society.

According to her, she will continue to support persons with disabilities, as her personal experience demonstrates the importance of encouragement, support, opportunity and an environment that allows them to develop their abilities and pursue their aspirations.

The Yeye Bobajiro Oodua urged parents, caregivers, communities and relevant authorities to support persons with disabilities rather than subjecting them to discrimination, neglect or social exclusion.

She stressed that persons with disabilities deserved dignity, love, access to education, healthcare, employment and opportunities to contribute to the development of their communities.

Yeye Shona-Aluko also called on government at all levels to strengthen policies and programmes that promote accessibility, inclusive education, vocational training and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities.

The Founder of YASA Foundation further emphasised the need to change negative attitudes towards disability, noting that the challenges confronting persons with disabilities often arise not only from their conditions but also from societal barriers, inadequate facilities and limited opportunities.

Responding, the leader of the Team of Visually Impaired Initiative, Miss Taiwo Olapade described Yeye Afolashade Shona-Aluko as a rare gem, considering her inclusivity, advocacy and support for wellness of other people in Society, particularly those with various challenges of life.

All the beneficiaries were full of gratitude the Founder of YASA Foundation for touching their lives positively and raising their hope for better, calling on other people in the society to emulate the large heart of Yeye Bobajiro Oodua.

International White Cane Safety Day, observed annually on October 15, raises awareness about the importance of the white cane as a mobility aid for visually impaired people, highlighting their rights to independence, safety, accessibility and equal participation in public life.

YASA Foundation, under the leadership of Yeye Afolashade Shona-Aluko, focuses on promoting inclusion, dignity and opportunities for persons with disabilities, vulnerable children, youth, women, elderly and other underserved groups.

Through its humanitarian interventions and advocacy, the Foundation seeks to advance a society where disability does not prevent individuals from accessing essential services, developing their talents or achieving their full potential.