By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA) has joined the global community in commemorating the 2025 World Sight Day through its annual White Cane Campaign, themed “Our Cane, Our Freedom.”
According to a statement from the media unit of ANSAA, the memorable event, which held at the All Saints’ Cathedral, Onitsha, brought together key stakeholders, development partners, and dignitaries, including the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ANSAA, Mr. Tony Odili Ujubuonu; Chief Executive Officer of GUO Motors, Chief Godwin Ubaka Okeke (OON); representatives of Tiger Foods Limited; members of the Association of Seadogs; the National Association of the Blind (Anambra State Chapter); media professionals; and other invited guests.
The 2025 edition of the White Cane Campaign served as a powerful reminder of the need for collective responsibility in promoting inclusivity, accessibility, and empowerment for visually impaired persons. ANSAA’s leadership used the occasion to demonstrate the agency’s ongoing commitment to its corporate social responsibility mandate and the “no one left behind” vision of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s administration.
A major highlight of the celebration was presentation of awards to deserving individuals, as well as the presentation of specialized white canes with rotating tips, typewriters, and reams of A4 paper to the visually impaired community in Anambra State. The gesture, it was gathered, was part of the agency’s effort to support the independence, mobility, and education of persons living with visual impairment across the state.
It was gathered that ANSAA’s motivation for the initiative extends beyond just the White Cane Campaign observance, and embodies the Agency’s value of empathy and social inclusion.
Speaking on the significance of the event, the Managing Director of ANSAA, Mr. Tony Odili Ujubuonu, further reiterated the Agency’s resolve to continue using its platform not only for regulating outdoor advertising but also for advancing public good through people-centered initiatives.
The ANSAA Boss explained that funds generated from responsible business owners who pay their signage fees contribute directly to such humanitarian interventions, thereby making every compliant partner a contributor to the upliftment of the visually impaired community.
According to him, the White Cane Campaign is an expression of compassion and equity, aligning with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s promise to build a prosperous, livable, and inclusive Anambra where every citizen has a sense of belonging. He further called on the people to re-elect the Governor come November 8, to continue the good works.
His words: “It is our pleasure to host this year’s White Cane Campaign while importantly appreciating our partners over the years.”
“Why White Cane Campaign? At ANSAA, we recognize that while many can see and engage with what we do by consuming ‘Anya Ọra’, there are others ‘the blind’ who do not share this privilege. We believe in giving back by bringing moments of joy and empowerment to these beautiful individuals,” Ujubuoñu stated, describing the event as the agency’s most important and cherished programme, which focuses on bringing joy and empowerment to the visually impaired community in the state.
According to him, “If you own a signage and you pay your ANSAA fee on time, know that your payment has contributed positively to the White Cane Campaign. You have helped us help the blind. Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR, continues to reinforce the promise that he made to ndi Anambra that no one will be left behind.”
In their separate reactions, partners and sponsors of the 2025 campaign, including GUO Motors, Tiger Foods, and Romanchi Properties, commended ANSAA for its visionary leadership and impact in creating a culture of inclusiveness within the state. They reiterated their willingness to continually identify with the noble initiative, describing it as a true reflection of responsible governance and collaborative development.
In a vote of thanks, the National Association of the Blind (Anambra State Chapter) expressed deep gratitude to ANSAA for its consistent partnership and support over the years, noting that such interventions have made a measurable difference in the lives of visually impaired persons across the state.
The Association also lauded the Soludo-led administration for its progressive inclusion policies, including the employment of over 20 visually impaired individuals across various state ministries and parastatals, an effort, it said, further showcases Anambra’s reputation as a model for disability inclusion in governance.
The ANSAA Special Project Manager, Mr. Obinna Efobi, in a closing remarks highlighted the importance of synergy between government agencies, private organizations, and civil society in building an inclusive future. He maintained that the success of the 2025 White Cane Campaign exemplifies what can be achieved when compassion meets coordinated action, stressing that the agency remains fully committed to advancing social inclusion through meaningful initiatives.
The event, it was gathered, ended on a celebratory note, with participants pledging continued collaboration to promote visibility, empowerment, and equality for all towards an inclusive Anambra where where every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.
More photos from the event:
