A non-governmental organisation, the Kehinde Oshilaja Foundation for Persons Living with Disabilities, has called on governments at all levels to integrate sign language into the curriculum of primary and secondary schools across Nigeria as part of efforts to promote inclusivity and equal access to education for persons with disabilities.
The call was made by the Foundation’s Coordinator, Kehinde Olawale Oshilaja, during a charity outreach programme held at Evans Square.
The outreach programme featured the distribution of food items and Zakat to vulnerable members of the community, particularly persons living with disabilities, as part of the Foundation’s commitment to supporting underserved populations.
Speaking at the event, Oshilaja emphasized that making sign language a standard component of the educational system would greatly enhance communication, expand learning opportunities, and improve social integration for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. He noted that inclusive education remains a critical step toward ensuring equal participation in society.
He also urged government authorities to provide adequate shelter and strengthen social support systems for persons with disabilities, stressing that many individuals in the disability community continue to face significant socio-economic challenges and limited access to essential services.
According to him, the Foundation’s humanitarian initiatives are guided by the principles of compassion and charity rooted in Islamic teachings, which encourage support for the vulnerable and marginalized in society.
Also speaking at the event, the Chief Imam of the Ahmadiyya Central Mosque, Rasaki Bello, highlighted that the distribution of Zakat and other charitable acts aligns with the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the traditions of the Prophet.
He observed that while charitable giving has increasingly become a social routine for some, true acts of charity require sincerity, accountability, and adherence to religious obligations. He cautioned against insincerity in giving, noting that individuals must strive to follow prescribed religious duties faithfully.
The cleric further appealed to governments at all levels to intensify support for persons with disabilities, assuring that humanitarian efforts directed toward vulnerable groups would yield both social and spiritual rewards.
The outreach programme attracted community members, religious leaders, and beneficiaries, underscoring the growing need for inclusive policies and sustained social interventions aimed at improving the welfare and dignity of persons living with disabilities across Nigeria.
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