The Nigerian National Association of the Deaf, NNAD’s North East Zonal Coordinator, Mr Bashir Usman Kellumi, in this exclusive interview with Inclusive News Network (INN) spoke on his recent achievements and contributions as a Deaf staff of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Gombe state which led to his recent recognition by the NYSC as the most hardworking staff in NYSC Gombe camp, among other sundry issues. Excerpts;
Can you briefly introduce yourself for our esteemed readers?
I am Bashir Usman Kellumi from Gombe state. I graduated from University of Jos with second class upper honour in special education as major. I am the North East Zonal Coordinator (ZC) of Nigeria National Association of the Deaf (NNAD). Currently working with NYSC Gombe state
INN: How does it feel to be nominated for best performing staff in the NYSC camp?
It was a surprise and unexpected, I didn’t know that the top management of the scheme are closely and diligently observing how I am executing the duty assigned to me for the sixth consecutive camps. The nomination as overall best staff was rare for newly employed staff. It takes more time but they considered it necessary because of my sterling performance in the assigned duties given to me, also I support other committee and executing it well despite my deafness, I also assisted corpers with Disabilities on arrival and give them home treatment and prior attention. This must have impressed them because I contributed to reducing their challenges in handling these corpers. Also I was man of the match for the staff team vs corpers though we lost the game. My overall attitudes and performance among others contributed to this nominations.
I believe this is the work of God who wants to manifest His victory in the lives of people with disabilities. I am doing most of documentation and registration works. I also assist with Hostel admission for arriving corpers, fill their details in the book before giving them bed and do documentations.
They find resilient and uninterrupted progress in my works so far. They wanted this to motivate me to work hard and to encourage other staff to emulate my example despite my deafness.
INN; what position do you presently hold at the NYSC?
Inspector II cadre, at level 08.
INN; As a recipient of the 2023 Best Staff Commendation Award, what does this recognition mean to you?
It means alot to my future career and it proves that I am doing well and further strengthening my resolve to excel in my job.
INN; What are some of the benefits of being recognised as employee of the year?
The benefits include speed promotion and recommendations for better position in the short and long term effects.
INN; How has your Deaf/PWD friends and associates react to this success story?
They are happy and they were inspired that they too can do even better in any life endeavor devoid of their disability status.
INN; Where do you see yourself in the next five (5 ) years?
Getting promoted to some higher ranks and spend 10 years in Abuja.
INN; Coming to NYSC as a Deaf staff, was there any new thing you learned that you have never had the opportunity to learn before?
Yes, this administration requires technical, professional and moral competence. Discipline is the core principle of the scheme as it sounds more of paramilitary. The level of commitment and discipline is high, yet very rewarding.
They don’t give encomiums without giving tokens, letter of commendation and the details of the winner are put in citation for further reference in the scheme’s database in Abuja headquarters.
INN; Do you have any recommendations on how the NYSC can recognize hardworking employee more effectively?
I am okay with their way of recognizing hardworking employees
INN; What other work techniques do you want to improve on?
There will be more workshop in the future. It is well documented organisation with adequate arrangements for that. I want to learn more on inspector development training. By the time we reach level 10 we will become local government Inspectors who will be the head to supervise NYSC activities at Local Government level. Also method of using computer application for monthly clearance of corpers in various LGAs.
INN; How did you handle work place stress and pressure being the only Deaf working in a predominantly hearing Community?
The stress was that much when I first started working in January, but as time goes by, I decided to adopt some ways to handle it better because it is more of people engagement as every corper may need help in one way or the other. So I used to write some requirements for the registration in bold behind me for them to see and bring out the required ones. Also I had the help of supportive team.
The work became less stressful when I used phone to chat, write what was missing for them to bring out and fortunately all of them are university graduates and some HND holders. so it became more easier for me since they understand what I am writing on phone and see on the wall and it doesn’t require much communication. They have to bring out their documents for us to verify, vet and give them a go to write down their details on our files.
INN; Finally what’s your advice to fellow youths with disabilities? Thanks for your time
They should not give up on their dreams especially in pursuing higher education. The future is bright and they can work anywhere they find themselves and there is disability commission in place to further promote their inclusion in any job offers.
I got this job under the current hardworking Executive Secretary who is the head of National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Dr James Lalu. I am sure with the appointment of Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the president on disability matters and AU charter being signed by the president Bola Tinubu, I am sure the workplace in the future will be more accessible for PWDs. Let the youths with disabilities not relent in pursuing their education. Thank you