The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to learn Sign Language so communication can be made easier for the Deaf.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq stated this during an event organised by the Ministry to mark the International Day of Sign Language and International week of the Deaf.
Farouq in her remarks said “I enjoined all to join in the celebration and learn sign, so communication can be made easier for our brothers and sisters who are deaf”
She also promised to work with the Deaf and all persons with Disabilities to ensure their rights, inclusion and participation in the society are given utmost priority.
She further added “the ministry will leave no stone unturned to ensure that all persons with Disabilities in Nigeria are carried along in governance by removing all barriers that hitherto, poses hindrance for effective functioning of persons with Disabilities”.
Earlier, Nigeria National Association of the Deaf (NNAD), an umbrella body of the Deaf community in Nigeria led by its Secretary General, Chidi Olujie invited the Minister to Kano for the NNAD election which is coming up in few days, as the grandmother of NNAD.
The group while appreciating the Minister for having the mind to organise the event said “there are 10 million Deaf people in Nigeria and it’s very necessary for our sign language to be recognised”
“It’s very necessary for our sign language to be recognised. When sign language is there, the world between Deaf and hearing will be connected”
“With sign language, Deaf will be able to showcase their skills in different ways”
“We pray for our sign language to be recognized soon as we now have disability commission in place”
The group in attendance at the event apart from the secretary-general of NNAD, Chidi Olujie and the Humanitarian Affairs Minister, Sadiya Farouq were the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disability, James Lalu, Idemudia Lawrence among others.