At least 300 youths participated in the webinar conference organised by the National Association of Nigerian Deaf Students (NANDS) to commemorate this year’s edition of International Youth Day with the theme, themed “Youth Engagement for Global Action”.
Guest Lecturer at the webinar and National Youth Leader of NNAD, Mr. Umaru Zayyanu Bilya spoke on the topic “Nigerian Deaf Youths, The Agenda for All-Inclusive Development”.
In his remarks, he shared ideas on the various actions Deaf Youths could take in fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals of which utilizing the United Nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities is one of them.
He also urged youths to take up the challenge of being advocates of Sign Language and ensure that individuals cooperate with the Deaf Community.
Sharing his experience as the National Youth Leader of NNAD, he said the office was first created in his tenure to tackle the issues of marginalization of deaf youths in the Association compared to other Non Governmental Organizations.
According to him, he has utilised his office to ensure that all states have Youth Leaders and have worked towards capacity development of youths in Nigeria.
He, however, stated that there were challenges and pointed out that the headquarters has tried to request for scholarships & Grants for deserving children and youth but which were not successful.
Bilya assured that his office will keep doing everything possible to ensure that no youth is left behind as they continue to make efforts to better the lives of Nigerian Deaf Youths.
He noted that there are various plans set in place by NNAD for youth development which include but not limited to First Nigerian Deaf Youth Summit, National Deaf Youth Festival, Zonal and State leadership workshops and Capacity Development seminars.
He encouraged Deaf youths to get involved, that there are various reasons youth beg in the streets and with our personal and legal actions, we can curb it.
The Youth Leader was quoted as saying, “with love, collaboration, support and cooperation, we can make it”.
In a related development, NANDS also released a strong message to its youths in commemoration of the day.
The statement was signed by Aanuoluwapo Omoleye (UI), Nehemiah Danjuma (Unilorin), Tega Akpofure (UI), Lambert Divine (FCE, Special), Douglas Izuu (Unilorin) and Darlington Aisosa (Wesley University).
In the statement, the Association called for active engagement of Youths towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 4&10: ensure inclusive and quality education and reduce inequalities.
NANDS said it’s focus is on Deaf education in Nigeria which according to them, needs to be in line with SDG4.
“Quality deaf education is lacking because the curriculum does not cater for children with different needs, lacks qualified teachers and teaching resources in deaf schools leading to poor communication and academic performance.
“And as deaf youths, we play an important role in changing narratives and creating changes. We must do our part to change the narrative of deaf education in Nigeria to one that is inclusive, accessible and equitable,” the group said.
It added that with collaboration and teamwork, solutions can emerge while the promotion of inclusion, breaking barriers and bridging the gaps become more feasible.
“We also use this opportunity to call the Deaf Association National Leadership in Nigeria to realize that it is not enough to give youth a seat at the table but rather continuously engage with them in relevant manner through capacity building, educational and literacy programs and decision making.
“Let’s come together and work to achieve the SDGs for we are current and future leaders.
“The time to take action is now! The future is now!! Happy International Youth Day.”