The Nigeria National Association of the Deaf, NNAD, has appealed to the federal government to incorporate sign language into the country’s official language and educational curriculum.
Acting National President of the Association, Haruna Tsafe, made the appeal while delivering his keynote address during the 34th Annual General Meeting and General Election held in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Tuesday.
Tsafe maintained that sign language, if incorporated, will enhance accessibility, and inclusion, as well as improve communication with deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
He emphasised the need for state governments to replicate the enactment of the Disability Bill for inclusion, in order to break environmental and physical barriers of members and enhance cultural understanding.
In her remarks, the Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the enactment of the Disability Bill towards ensuring that the needs and rights of special people are not treated with levity.
Adeleye reiterated that the enactment of the Bill was proof that the present administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun place high premium on the rights of people living with disability.
Representing the Commissioner, Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs and Social Development, Ayotunde Lawal, said the theme of the meeting, “Sign Up For Sign Language Right”, was apt, noting that sign language is not just a mode of communication but a pathway to equality, education, employment and full participation in the society.
She disclosed that the state government had immensely contributed to the promotion and recognition of sign language rights in Nigeria, as well as working with the disability community, to ensure that the rights were enshrined in the national policies and embraced across all sectors of the society.
Adeleye pointed out that the current administration had positively impacted the disability community through various empowerment initiatives, provision of tools and resources, among others.
Earlier, Ogun State Chairman of Association of the Deaf, Rasheed Salami, appreciated the state government for its support in hosting the annual general meeting in the state, as well as the unwavering commitment to the welfare of not just its members but people living with disability.