By Adewale Adeyanju, INN
Chairperson, Ikorodu West Deaf Development Association (IKWDDA), Comrade Tosin Kuku is a strong proponent of the belief that Deaf persons are capable of claiming what rightfully belongs to them – from human rights to the quest for inclusion and welfare, through the use of sign language.
Kuku made this assertion at a maiden event organized to commemorate the international day of sign language. The International Day of Sign Language is observed annually every 23rd September. The theme for last year was: “We Sign For Human Rights”.
In his welcome address, Mr Tosin Kuku remarked that the event is the first ever awareness program organized by the association.
He emphasized the importance of celebrating the day. According to him, the day is celebrated to bring into public consciousness, the plight of the Deaf.
Speaking further, Kuku maintained that, “Sign language provides a unique opportunity to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of Deaf people and other sign language users”. This, he says flows with the theme declared by World Federation of the Deaf (WFD). The theme highlights how each of us – deaf and hearing people around the world – can work together, hand in hand, to promote the recognition of our right to use sign languages in all areas of life.
“Sign languages are fully fledged natural languages, structurally distinct from the spoken languages. There is also an international sign language which is used by the deaf people in various places like hospital, courts, offices and TV stations”. Kuku went on to state that the Ikorodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) is home to many Deaf people who are ready to promote their language.”
The IKWDDA Chairman seized the occasion to appeal to the Council Chairman – Honourable Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju, the Councillors and entire management staff of Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to do more to improve the welfare of the Deaf Community through practice of policy of inclusiveness. Kuku says the Association will soon embark on a training program for officials of the LCDA. The aim is to teach them sign language to help bridge the communication gap between the Deaf and hearing Communities.
The Chairman also requested for an office space for the association, employment opportunities for deaf members – graduates and non graduates to help them contribute to the society and support their families. Artisans, on the other hand, should be provided with SME funds, empowered with equipment and tools they can use to work.
The event witnessed the presence of His Chief O. Y. O Fatola (Baale of Ogolonto) representing His Royal Highness, the Sekumade of Ipakodo, Oba Bashiru Aremu Sotonwa, who in a goodwill speech expressed pleasant surprise to be invited to the event. The royal father promised his full support for the Association and assured the Chairman of Ikorodu LCDA of carrying along Deaf people in his development plan for citizens in his domain.
Present at the event was Dr. Tola Odusanya, a Chief Lecturer at the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo. Dr Odusanya clarified a number of issues surrounding deafness and sign language. The amiable lecturer repeatedly hit home the point that there is “ability in disability”. Odusanya illustrated with driving a car – pointing out that although the deaf can’t hear the honking of horns by oncoming vehicles, they are able to see them in the rear mirrors and take necessary precautions.
Dr Odusanya argues that society’s mindset and negative misconceptions about deafness and the deaf leaves much to be desired. For example, there’s the myth that two deaf persons marrying each other are doomed to have deaf babies. Dr. Odusanya used instances of married Deaf members of IKWDDA to demystified the lies. He went on to reiterate that if the hearing community will embrace sign language, there will be better understanding of Deaf persons and Deafness.
Also speaking at the occasion was Deaconess (Mrs) Adedoyin Beyioku-Alase. Madam Adedoyin is founder and immediate past President, Deaf Women Association of Nigeria (DWAN). In her speech, she implored the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu West LCDA to maintain the friendly rapport with Deaf people. The DWAN founder added that Deaf persons are capable and should be encouraged and motivated. She cited her own story on how she acts as Board of Trustees member, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs alongside many other important positions she has held.
Mr. Asoro Abubakri Olatunji, Coordinator of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Ikorodu West Chapter, declared IKWDDA as an affiliate association whose members need love and deserve to be celebrated. He recalled appointing two deaf persons as members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ikorodu West, as deputy directors. Mr Olatunji further maintained that he is ever ready to assist the deaf in spreading sign language in his domain.
Mr. Omoteju Shakirudeen, Head Human Resources and Administration, Ikorodu West LCDA, speaking on behalf of the Executive Chairman Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area – Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju, described him as a disability friendly person who never hesitates to help the deaf and other categories of persons with disabilities.
He noted that the chairman is very responsive to requests like this one as long as it will benefit people in his domain. He charged the deaf to continue to showcase the ability in disability. Meanwhile, the Council continues to offer needed support.
Dignitaries who graced the occasion are: Mr Ibrahim Abubakar, HOD Agriculture, the Head, Youth and Social Development, Hon Gbenga Ogedegbe, Special Assistant to Bariga Council Chairman on Special people, Mrs Adewunmi, Senior officer, Agric ,Youth and Administration, Ikorodu West LCDA, amongst others.