Deaf Diasporan Doles Out N300k To Deaf Communities In Lagos And Ogun

Mr Isaac Awonuga, Deaf Nigerian philanthropist based in the United States has donated the sum of N300, 000 to Deaf Communities in Lagos and Ogun States.

The philanthropist who spoke with Inclusive News Network from his New Jersey base in the USA said the gift of giving was something he learned from his father.

According to him, “I got the gift of giving from my father, late Mr Shola Awonuga. He used to give gifts to my colleagues at school when I was a child. He also gave out Christmas and new year gifts annually during my school days. So this reminds me of him. After my parents died I adopted the idea of giving. I used to invite friends to come and eat with me when I was in Nigeria. I’ve a lot of plans for Deaf people in Nigeria.”

Ijebu Ode beneficiaries

Awonuga noted that there are many less privileged Deaf families who need support to celebrate Christmas and New Year. He therefore makes his donations an annual event to provide for these families and individuals so they can enjoy the festive season like others.

The cash rewards were donated to Deaf persons in Ijebu Ode and Remo Communities in Ogun State. In Lagos, beneficiaries were at the National stadium to receive the tokens.

Awonuga remarks that the donation is a way of giving back to society in commemoration of the festive season so they too can enjoy Christmas and new year celebration like others.

Beneficiaries from Remo Community

INN recalls that in 2021, Mr Awonuga donated 95 chickens to Deaf persons in Sagamu, Ijebu Ode and Abeokuta, Ogun state.

It was disclosed that some people had asked for personal support however the philanthropist just wouldn’t do that now. Rather, he wants as many people as possible to benefit from the donation and that the gifts were shared equally.

He urged Local Government chairmen in Ijebu Ode and other communities to support Deaf people. According to him, “you can’t be giving jobs to people and leave the Deaf behind, that is discrimination.”

Beneficiaries from Lagos state

“Deaf persons have the ability to work and live independently if given the opportunity. I therefore urge Government at all levels to be employers of labour. By employing them, you are giving a fair opportunity to everyone”, he said.

Beneficiaries in both States, in separate remarks, thanked the donor for his benevolent and kind gestures.

INN reports that about 1,000 Deaf persons benefited from the N100,000 donation in Lagos, while in Remo Community, 64 people from Sagamu, Iperu, Ode Remo, Ikenne and Isara shared from another N100k gift donated to them.