The Lagos State Chapter of the Association of Sign Language Interpreters of Nigeria (ASLIN) has reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, advocacy, and the promotion of sign language in Nigeria, as stakeholders gathered for the 2025 ASLIN Lagos Conference and Handing-Over Ceremony, themed “New Chapter, Same Mission.”
The event, held on Saturday at the Wesley School for the Hearing Impaired, Surulere, Lagos, was organized by the *ASLIN Lagos State Chapter in collaboration with the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA).
In her goodwill message, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, General Manager of LASODA, applauded the outgoing leadership and encouraged the new executive committee to remain steadfast in advancing inclusion. She reiterated LASODA’s commitment to working with professional associations to ensure accessibility at government events and across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Describing sign language as precious and central to inclusive governance, Oyetunde-Lawal expressed her vision for its eventual recognition as a national language in Nigeria, while also emphasizing the importance of fair welfare standards and conducive working conditions for professional sign language interpreters.
Following her, Barrister Salami Bolarinwa, Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), commended ASLIN members for choosing a noble and globally relevant profession. He urged the new leadership to sustain close collaboration with the disability community, particularly the Deaf community, and to uphold competence and professionalism in the deployment of interpreters.
Bolarinwa cautioned against the infiltration of untrained individuals into the profession, stressing that excellence, ethical standards, and continuous capacity building are essential to protecting the integrity of sign language interpretation and special education in Nigeria.
Delivering the keynote address, the immediate past Chairman of ASLIN Lagos State, Mr. Samuel James, described the ceremony as a symbolic crossing of stewardship. Reflecting on years of service, he emphasized that leadership is responsibility, not ownership, and highlighted the collective sacrifices made to strengthen ethical standards, expand advocacy for the recognition of sign language, and promote Deaf rights and inclusion.
James charged the incoming executives to lead with integrity, courage, and inclusiveness, reminding members that the strength of ASLIN lies in its people and shared purpose.
Earlier, the newly inaugurated Chairman of ASLIN Lagos State, Mr. Sodeinde Olubowale, described the gathering as the beginning of a new phase in the association’s collective journey. He expressed appreciation to the General Manager of LASODA for her consistent support and solidarity with the sign language interpreting community, as well as partners and stakeholders for honoring the association’s invitation. Olubowale also commended the immediate past administration for laying a solid foundation, stressing that while leadership may change, ASLIN’s mission and values—professionalism, ethics, and quality interpretation—must remain intact.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of Outstanding Service Awards to members of the outgoing Executive Committee, in recognition of their dedication and contributions to the growth and development of the Association.
The conference provided a platform for reflection, leadership transition, and renewed resolve to strengthen sign language interpretation, deepen collaboration between the Deaf and hearing communities, and advance inclusion across public and private sectors in Lagos State and beyond.
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