Yemi Olajutemu
Ado Ekiti
…as association of the deaf in South West says Oyebanji’s inclusive governance style has greatly benefited PWDs
The South West Chapter of the Association of the Deaf has called on all tiers of government to design policies and programmes that will enable the deaf community contribute maximally to society.
The General Secretary of the Association Of the Deaf in the South West, Dr Monsuru Akangbe made this call during a lecture at the third edition of the South West Deaf Arts and Culture Festival.
The lecture, titled “The Deaf of the South West and Their Disposition Towards the Renewed Hope Agenda: Impressions and Takeaways,” highlighted the significant presence and potential of the deaf community.
Dr. Akangbe who is also a lecturer at the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo noted that out of the 1.5 billion people worldwide, 18% of them experience varying degrees of hearing impairment, thus making them the largest group of people with disabilities globally.
He emphasised that the deaf community in the South West, comprising Ekiti, Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Osun, and Oyo, represents a significant and talented portion of Nigeria’s population, which is ready to contribute to national development.Dr. Akangbe commended Ekiti State Governor Abayomi Oyebanji for his inclusive governance style, which he said has greatly benefited people with disabilities.
He also lauded initiatives implemented by the Oyebanji Administration such as the establishment of the Agency for Disabilities, introduction of sign language lessons for public servants, employment opportunities for deaf individuals, employment of deaf interpreters,and the Introduction of free healthcare for people with disabilities which according to him have significantly improved the lives of the deaf community in Ekiti.
Akangbe called on other states and local government councils across the federation to emulate Ekiti State’s approach, promoting shared prosperity and discovering the talents within the deaf community.
The General Secretary praised the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, a comprehensive plan aimed at transforming Nigeria in key areas such as security, economy, agriculture, power, oil and gas, transportation, education, and healthcare.
He urged for the inclusion of specific measures to address the needs of the deaf community.
A retired civil servant and special educationist, Pastor Adekunle Olutoyin also addressed the gathering, encouraging the deaf community to promote awareness about deaf culture, embrace inclusiveness, and work hard to contribute to societal growth.
The Association while declaring supports for Governor Abayomi Oyebanji for the second time in office, gave award of Excellence performance to the Governor of Ekiti State and his wife, the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola and many other members at the occasion.
The one week-long programme which started on Monday with advocacy visit to the office of the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion Princess Adetoun Agboola and some Government establishments and tourist sites including the Ewi’s palace in Ado Ekiti, Ikogosi Warm Spring, Arinta Waterfall and the formal of opening of the weeklong programme by Governor Oyebanji have in attendance people from all work of life who are with various kinds of deafness from States across the South West, Nigeria.
The programme also witnessed arts and cultural display by participating states, awards, beauty pageant , states reports and would be rounded up with rafle draw and gala night on by the weekend