The Association of Sign Language Interpreters of Nigeria (ASLIN), Northwest Zone, has commended the Governors of Zamfara and Kano States for appointing dedicated Sign Language Interpreters, describing the move as a significant step towards strengthening disability inclusion and ensuring greater access to government information for Deaf citizens.
In a statement signed by the ASLIN Northwest Zonal Coordinator, Ibrahim S. Saraki, the association specifically praised Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, for appointing Ibrahim Sani as Special Assistant on Sign Language Interpretation in July, and Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for recently appointing Auwal Ibrahim Karaye as his Official Sign Language Interpreter.
Saraki said the appointments demonstrate recognition by the two state governments that access to information and public services is an essential component of inclusive governance. He noted that having dedicated interpreters would help bridge communication gaps between government and the Deaf community while enabling Deaf citizens to better understand, participate in and engage with government activities.
According to him, the significance of the appointments extends beyond interpretation, as they could strengthen the participation of Deaf persons in governance and promote equal access to public information and services. He added that governments that demonstrate commitment to disability inclusion could also create a more welcoming environment for development partners, international organisations, philanthropists and investors seeking to support programmes that improve the lives and economic opportunities of persons with disabilities.
While applauding Zamfara and Kano for their initiatives, ASLIN Northwest called on the governments of Kaduna, Katsina, Jigawa, Sokoto and Kebbi States to adopt similar measures by providing dedicated Sign Language Interpretation services within their respective governments.
The association stressed that Deaf communities exist across all states of the region and that Deaf citizens should have the opportunity to be informed, heard, participate in governance and contribute to the development of their communities.
“This is not merely about appointing interpreters. It is about building a government where no citizen is left behind because of a communication barrier,” Saraki said, urging the remaining five Northwest states to make Sign Language accessibility an integral part of their inclusive governance agenda.
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