Association of Sign Language Interpreters of Nigeria (ASLIN) Ogun State chapter has urged governments at all levels to enhance the welfare of deaf citizens and give them a sense of belonging by engaging the services of sign language interpreters at public functions.
The Chairman of the Association, Mr Oluwaseyi Ogunbayo made the appeal at the association’s annual general meeting and inauguration of new executives held on Saturday at the Centre for Persons with Disabilities, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta.
Mr Ogunbayo said the involvement of sign language interpreters in public functions would strengthen the support for deaf community and attract the necessary recognition to their plights, especially at public gatherings.
In her remarks, Director, Women Affairs and Rehabilitation Services, Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Funminiyi Emekama while applauding the efforts of sign language interpreters, advised them to adopt strategies and modern techniques to ensure that the deaf individuals were not relegated by the society.
Mr Soetan Abayomi of mogbo moya foods, Oluwole Sunday Executive Director Ubuntu Deaf initiatives, Executive Director Inclusive News Network, Mr. Ekundayo Sejoro and John Ayanwole assistant Secretary, Ogun State Association for Deaf (OGSAD) in their goodwill messages charge the newly inaugurated Executive to be proactive and dedicate to the cause of bridging the communication gap for the Deaf Community.
The newly inaugurated Executive to run the affairs of the association for the next Five(5) years are Oluwaseyi Ogunbayo as Chairman, Dorcas Aiwe as Vice Chairman, John Alex, General Secretary, Treasurer Folake Akinola, Titilayo Ogunnowo as Financial Secretary, while Seun Sosanya and Victor Ofomala were inaugurated as PRO and internal Auditor respectively.
Highlights of the event included the induction of new members and decoration of honorary members, among whom was the Ogun State Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr Wale Olanrewaju.Yourba Caster on Nigeria Television Authority, NTA Ayoade Elegbede, Industrialist and Entrepreneur Ayodeji Kudaisi,Comrade Abayomi Salako Ogun JONAPWD P.R.O and many others.