By Adewale Adeyanju, Lagos
Comrade Tosin Kuku, the Chairman of the newly elected and inaugurated Executive Board of Ikorodu West Deaf Development Association, has reiterated and affirmed the commitment of the executives to achieve equal access and inclusive development for all its members.
Delivering his welcome and acceptance speech at the inauguration ceremony held on Thursday 25 July, 2024, the Chairman noted that their inauguration and swearing-in has crowned their struggles and years spent struggling for acceptance.
“For too long, the Deaf community in Ikorodu West and environs faced barriers that hinders its progress. We have been excluded from opportunities, marginalized and overlooked. But, today we say enough is enough and demand equal access to education, healthcare and social services for our people.”
Hinting on what to expect from the newly inaugurated Executive Board, Kuku noted that his administration is dedicated to promoting inclusive development where every individual has the chance to thrive, adding that, the executive will advocate for policies and programmes that benefits deaf community, provide training and resources to enhance member’s skills, foster partnership with various organizations that share in their vision while creating a supportive network that empowers members.
Kuku appealed to the Government and stakeholders in the LCDA to join them in their efforts to break down barriers and discriminatory practices, promote sign language and deaf culture as well as ensure accessibility in all aspect of life.
He rounded up praising the Executive Chairman of the LCDA – Hon. Sulaiman Kazeem Olanrewaju for all his support and efforts towards the association stating that they will need his help to obtain a functioning office secretariat and a mini-bus for the use of the association among others.
Responding, Hon. Anifowose Olufemi representative of the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu West LCDA congratulated the new Executive, stressing that Ikorodu West LCDA will always carry PWDs along and not neglect its duties and responsibilities.
“If anyone has a grouse or complaint, we are ready to treat it, write your letters stating what you want,” he said in response of trending nationwide protests being planned by the Youths, stating that dialogues is better than confrontations and destruction of properties.
The HOD Agric Ikorodu West LCDA, ably represented by Mrs. Otun Aanuoluwapo advised the newly inaugurated Executives to let accountability be their watchword and to carry their people along to minimise complaints, stressing that the LCDA Staff will do their best to support.
The occasions was electrified by the eagerly anticipated swearing-in and certificate presentation by the Legal Adviser – Barrister Oluwabunmi H. Ijanusi Esq, of the LCDA. Ijanusi charged them to be alive to their duties and represent their people very well. The swearing-in was witnessed by some Staff and directors of the LCDA including National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Co-ordinator of Ikorodu West LCDA – Comrade Taiwo Anuoluwapo, Issa Ahmadu Usman -Chairman Lagos State Association of the Deaf (LSAD), Chairman Lagos State APC Deaf Support Group – Onifade Fatai, Taiye Olóyè (former LSAD Chairman), Abdulgafar Awesu (Ikorodu Deaf Association Chairman) among others.
Below are names and positions of the newly elected executives:
1. Comrade Kuku Tosin – Chairman
2.Chrisom Daniel Nwankwo – Vice Chairman
3. Olusuyi Olukinni – General Secretary
4. Juwon Bello – Assistant General Secretary
5. Opeyemi Onademuren – Public Relations Officer (PRO)
6. Kehinde Mustapha – Financial Secretary
7. Mrs. Aminat Benson – Treasurer
8. Mrs. Adeniyi Onyenwuwa – Women Leader
9. Olofinnika Tolulope – Youth Leader
10. Mrs. Mary Johnson – Social Welfare Secretary
11. Mr. Kazeem Adio – Chief Whip