AAD Holds Maiden Deaf Awareness Day, Calls for Appointment of SA on Disability Matters

Alimosho, Lagos — The Chairman of the Alimosho Association of the Deaf (AAD), Mr. Olumide Seidu, has called for stronger inclusion of Deaf persons in governance, urging the Alimosho Local Government to appoint a Deaf person as Special Adviser on Disability Matters.

Seidu made the call in his welcome address at the maiden edition of the Alimosho Deaf Awareness Day, held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Alimosho Local Government Secretariat Events Hall. The event was organised under the theme “With Sign Language, We Are Equal.”

The programme attracted Deaf persons, disability advocates, officials of the Alimosho Local Government, and other stakeholders who gathered to promote awareness, inclusion, and the protection of Deaf persons’ rights at the grassroots level.

Chairman of the Alimosho Association of the Deaf (AAD), Mr. Olumide Seidu

In his remarks, Seidu expressed appreciation to the Alimosho Local Government and all supporters whose contributions made the historic first edition of the Deaf Awareness Day possible. He used the platform to highlight the persistent challenges faced by Deaf persons, calling on authorities to prioritise inclusivity and Deaf rights as a pathway to employment, empowerment, and social participation.

According to him, enhanced inclusion would enable Deaf persons to enjoy equal opportunities and improved living conditions, while allowing them to harness their God-given talents for meaningful contribution to society. He also called for the enactment and enforcement of disability-friendly laws and policies, stressing that equality must be reflected in governance structures and public service delivery.

Seidu specifically urged the local council leadership to consider appointing Deaf persons as Special Advisers on Disability Matters, noting that similar appointments already exist in some LGAs and LCDAs across the country.

“Deaf people are very capable and efficient; they only need to be understood through sign language,” he said, adding that training local government staff in sign language would significantly improve communication and service delivery.

A key highlight of the event was a lecture delivered by Mr. Adewale Adeyanju on the relevance of vocational education and skills acquisition training for Deaf persons, which he described as critical to economic empowerment, self-reliance, and poverty reduction within the Deaf community.

In addition, a brief history of the Alimosho Association of the Deaf was presented by the Secretary-General of the association, Princess Aderonke Basirat Babatunde, who traced the association’s journey, growth, and contributions to advocacy, unity, and the promotion of Deaf rights within the local government area.

Comrade Abimbola Abayomi, Assistant Head of Department, Agriculture and Social Development

Also speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Alimosho Local Government, Hon. Akinpelu Ibrahim Johnson—represented by Comrade Abimbola Abayomi, Assistant Head of Department, Agriculture and Social Development—commended the Alimosho Association of the Deaf for its support for government initiatives and active civic engagement. He assured the association of the council’s continued support, describing Persons with Disabilities, particularly the Deaf community, as key stakeholders in the administration’s development agenda.

Responding to issues raised, Abayomi reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to inclusiveness, empowerment, and improved service delivery. He disclosed that deliberate efforts are underway to address marginalisation, including the promotion of sign language through its inclusion in the school curriculum. He further noted that empowerment programmes under the current administration are inclusive of Persons with Disabilities and urged the association to formally submit its requests through appropriate channels, assuring them that the Executive Chairman is a listening leader who would give due attention to all concerns.

In his remarks, Mr. Afolabi Dahunsi, Leader of the Alimosho APC Deaf Support Group, applauded the organisers for hosting a successful event and appealed to the Alimosho Local Government to give disability-related issues and programmes the priority they deserve.

“Persons with disabilities should not be left behind in the scheme of things. Inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities must be ensured for our community,” he said.

Mr. Kingsley Njoku, Secretary-General of the Lagos State Association of the Deaf

Similarly, Mr. Kingsley Njoku, Secretary-General of the Lagos State Association of the Deaf, who represented the Chairman, Mr. Isa Usman, commended the Alimosho Deaf community for its unity and the successful organisation of the event. He lamented the absence of some invited leaders, describing it as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for inclusion and respect for the rights of Deaf persons. Njoku congratulated the community and its leadership, emphasised the importance of unity and sustained advocacy, and urged members not to be discouraged but to remain steadfast in demanding inclusion, accountability, and good governance at all levels—particularly during periods when politicians seek their support during elections.

Inclusive News Network (INN) reports that, the event concluded on a celebratory note with a drama presentation by members of the Deaf community, which creatively depicted the challenges faced by Deaf persons and the importance of inclusion, accessibility, and sign language in society. The maiden Deaf Awareness Day was also marked by the cutting of a commemorative cake, symbolising unity, achievement, and the collective commitment to advancing the rights of Deaf persons in Alimosho.

Join Inclusive News Network WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.