The Badagry Deaf Association (BDA) has called on the Badagry Local Government, Olorunda, and Badagry West LCDAs to make dedicated budgetary provisions for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the 2027 budget to strengthen empowerment, healthcare and inclusion programmes.
Chairman of the Association, Sejoro Peter Ekundayo, made the call while delivering his welcome address at the 7th Annual Deaf Awareness Day celebration held in Badagry, Lagos State, with the theme, “Right to Understand: Together We Break Barriers.”
Ekundayo said a properly funded PWD Secretariat would provide the resources needed to equip persons with disabilities with relevant skills and economic empowerment opportunities. He also called for specific support for children with disabilities during Children’s Day celebrations, empowerment programmes for women with disabilities, farming inputs for farmers with disabilities and increased healthcare support for PWDs living with health challenges.
Hon. Sejoro Ekundayo Peter, Chairman Badagry Deaf Association
He further urged the government to appoint and deploy official sign-language interpreters at the Badagry Local Government Secretariat, Local Council Development Areas, Badagry General Hospital, Primary Healthcare Centres and other public institutions where Deaf people access essential services.
According to him, the absence of effective communication in hospitals, government offices and other institutions remains a major barrier to the rights and participation of Deaf people.
“These are not simply communication difficulties; they are barriers to accessing basic rights and public services,” Peter said, stressing the need for a sustainable system of sign-language interpretation rather than occasional arrangements.
The BDA chairman also called for greater investment in the education and development of Deaf children and youths, including access to quality education, vocational training, digital skills, entrepreneurship opportunities and employment.
He urged public institutions to ensure that government announcements, health campaigns, emergency alerts, security information and other public communications are made accessible to Deaf people through sign language and other appropriate communication formats.
On political participation, Ekundayo reiterated the principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us,” calling for the inclusion of Deaf people and other persons with disabilities in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes affecting their lives.
He said electoral information, voter education and other democratic engagements should also be made accessible to Deaf voters through sign language and appropriate communication channels.
Ekundayo called for stronger collaboration among the Badagry Local Government, LCDAs, traditional institutions, healthcare providers, schools, security agencies, civil society organisations, businesses and organisations of persons with disabilities.
He said the barriers confronting Deaf people were not insurmountable, urging stakeholders to move beyond awareness and celebration to concrete action.
“The right to understand is the right to participate. The right to communicate is a right that must be respected. Together, we can break the barriers,” he said.
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