The Nigeria National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) has organized a two-day strategic governance and capacity-building training for its Board of Trustees (BOTs), National Executives, and Secretariat staff, aimed at strengthening institutional effectiveness, financial management, and accountability.
The programme, held from February 16 to 17, 2026, at Class Suites Hotel, off Obafemi Awolowo Way, Jabi, Abuja, focused on enhancing leadership capacity, safeguarding responsibilities, and compliance standards for non-governmental organizations, in line with international best practices.
In his keynote address, the former Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Dr. James David Lalu, urged NNAD to review its Constitution to formally recognize the grant-sourcing efforts of Secretariat staff, noting that strong internal systems and motivated personnel are critical to sustainable organizational growth.
Also speaking, the Africa Representative of the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), Mr. Theophilus Odaudu, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) across Africa, emphasizing the importance of transparency, accountability, and sustainability in donor-funded projects.
In his welcome address, the National President of NNAD, Malam Haruna Muhammad Tsafe, commended the facilitators for their expertise and encouraged participants to actively engage in the training to improve leadership effectiveness. Similarly, Mr. Uche Andrew, representing the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), urged participants to embrace continuous learning for improved service delivery.
Outlining the workshop modules, the Project Director, Malam Aliyu Mai, highlighted key areas including governance and management roles, financial oversight in low-funded projects, accountability and transparency standards, safeguarding obligations, and compliance requirements for internationally funded non-governmental organizations.
During the technical sessions, the lead facilitator, Dr. Lazarus ThankGod, explained that effective governance within NNAD must be anchored on a clear understanding of the organization’s vision and mission.
He emphasized that the Board of Trustees serves as the legal custodian of the association, with responsibilities centered on duty of care, duty of loyalty, and legal accountability to members.
Dr. ThankGod further stressed the need for NNAD to develop a comprehensive Board manual to guide tenure, accountability, and operational procedures, warning that the absence of clear policies could result in governance challenges. He also underscored the importance of financial transparency, audit compliance, and strong internal control systems in sustaining donor confidence.
At the close of the programme, participants took a safeguarding oath, committing to uphold ethical standards, protect vulnerable members, and refrain from any for.m of exploitation or abuse.
The training was organized to equip NNAD leadership and staff with essential skills and structures needed to strengthen governance, enhance accountability, and promote sustainable organizational development.
Join Inclusive News Network WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
2 comments
I am post as vc chairman of Niger State Association of the Deaf by Mr Shedrack Tanko.
I have seen reading this above which sure interesting of workshop our association of Deaf in Advance
It’s used news this Media social our Association of Deaf