The Ogun State Chapter of the Association of Sign Language Interpreters of Nigeria (ASLIN) has called for stronger implementation of inclusive governance measures to ensure the effective participation of Deaf persons in government activities across the state.
The call was made when an ASLIN delegation, led by its Chairman, Mr. Oluwaseyi Ogunbayo, paid a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide.
During the meeting, Ogunbayo highlighted the need for government institutions to consistently engage qualified sign language interpreters at public events, government programmes and official engagements to ensure that Deaf citizens have equal access to information and public services.
He also discussed arrangements for making the proposed sitting of the Ogun State House of Assembly scheduled for September 23, 2026, accessible to members of the Deaf community through professional sign language interpretation.
According to him, inclusive communication is a fundamental human right and an essential requirement for the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in governance and public affairs.
The ASLIN Chairman commended the Ogun State House of Assembly for its previous resolutions supporting the use of sign language interpretation in government activities, urging the legislative arm to sustain its efforts toward policies and practices that promote accessibility for Deaf persons and other persons with disabilities.
The delegation also sought an update on the Ogun State Disability Law, which is undergoing gazetting and review processes.
Ogunbayo stressed that the full domestication and implementation of the law would further strengthen the rights, welfare, accessibility and participation of persons with disabilities in Ogun State.
Responding, the Speaker warmly received the ASLIN delegation and commended the association for its continued advocacy for inclusive communication and the rights of Deaf persons.
Elemide assured the delegation that the 10th Ogun State House of Assembly remains committed to supporting the implementation of resolutions promoting sign language interpretation across government ministries, departments, agencies and public service institutions.
He further stated that the Assembly was monitoring developments surrounding the Ogun State Disability Law and remained prepared to support legislative measures that would strengthen disability inclusion and accessibility across the state.
On the proposed September 23 sitting, the Speaker said the Assembly would communicate with ASLIN on arrangements for sign language interpretation if the sitting holds as scheduled.
He reiterated the Assembly’s readiness to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure that Deaf citizens are not excluded from legislative processes, governance and other public affairs.
The Speaker also pledged to support and champion the theme of the 2026 International Day of Sign Languages, reaffirming the Assembly’s commitment to promoting awareness of sign language rights and advancing inclusion for the Deaf community in Ogun State.
The meeting ended with both parties expressing renewed commitment to strengthening collaboration toward a more inclusive society where Deaf persons and other persons with disabilities can participate fully in governance, development and public life.
The ASLIN delegation described the engagement as productive, expressing optimism that the discussions would lead to concrete actions that improve accessibility, equal opportunities and respect for the rights of Deaf persons across Ogun State.
Join Inclusive News Network WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.