The Nigerian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) in it’s significant efforts to redefine the landscape of deafhood, has made moves that will for the first time secure a permanent mega property and set a standard for deaf community in Nigeria.
Dr Chidi Topaz Olujie led administration had in 2021 set up several standing committee. One of the committee is Architectural Design Committee. This committee has recently presented to the NNAD president a groundbreaking architectural design initiative that if given adequate attention could potentially redefine the current administration’s laudable achievements in the next four years.
INN reports that the NNAD has not owned any permanent land property since it was found in 1972.
The committee comprising deaf engineers, architects and other professionals, Sir Ari Ogoke, Mal. Lawan Mustapha, JP Ephraim Omoregie,Engr.Felix Ogunrinde and Arc. Ismail Abubakar, set up a beautiful architectural building plans for NNAD called “Deaf House”, according to NNAD.
This Deaf House will consist of a guest house, multi-purpose Hall, an Office and a Farmland.
Disclosing one of his plans for NNAD if elected for the second term, the NNAD president, Dr Chidi Olujie said, “its time for NNAD to have a permanent site, and now this will be one of our campaigns, within the next 4 years, we will have a permanent site where we will have: a guest house, multi-purpose Hall, an Office and a Farmland.
“I was not happy, when NNAD didn’t have an independent office, and I know we can get it; we can even own it if we are determined, so one of my campaigns was that NNAD would have an independent office, and you voted for me to be NSG under Alh. Dagbo Sulaimon, and with the support from ex-president and executives, I was permitted to lead this project. With support from elders, youths, and women both in Nigeria and abroad, we were able to get an independent office for the first time in history.”
Olujie added, “We defeated the doubts, got an independent office, and kept it for almost 8 years. This office unlocks so many opportunities, such as grants, etc. Many thanks to the Deaf community.
“Now, we are moving to the next level. We want a permanent site for NNAD. It’s time for NNAD to own a permanent site that can run for many purposes. So, from Kano, after you all believed in us and voted for us, we set up several committees. One of them was the Architectural Design Committee.
“Before we show you the beautiful building plan made by the Arc Design Committee, make sure you help us to thank the committee greatly. They did a miracle job.
“Even Tinubu, will be shocked if he sees that beautiful building plan, he said sarcastically.
Describing the ecstatic physical outlook of the proposed “Deaf House” the president noted, “this plan has been discussed with NEC several weeks ago, and it was fully endorsed by the NEC. We are going to secure a permanent site, make it happen, and by the grace of God, we will have it.”
INN reports that the animation outlook of the proposed property shows a design for a 1200sqm Deaf-Space, a friendly environment for the deaf. The property has three buildings and a farm land at the back, which can generate income for NNAD and empower Deaf men and women.”
The first building is a two-story office building. The ground floor has office spaces, a large conference room, emergency meeting rooms, and toilets. The upper floor has a large presidential office, as well as office spaces for executives and employees of the organization.
The second building is a residential space that can be used as a living area for executives who come to Abuja. This will help them save money that would have been spent on hotels.
The third building is a small structure at the back that can be used for other purposes, such as a caretaker’s office.
The farm land at the back is another source of income for NNAD and a way to empower deaf men and women.
Chidi said, “We have asked land agents to start searching for the lands that we are going to use to build.
“Agents are currently searching for land. Once they find suitable lands for NNAD to build a Deaf house, we will update you immediately.”
Stressing the importance of working together as an indivisible team to achieve the set objectives of the plans the NNAD Boss called on the thriving Nigerian Deaf community to join ranks to make the project a huge success.
He stated “now, everyone of you will work together to make it happen because Deaf House is not for me, it’s not even for NNAD executives. Its for everyone in Nigeria. I mean Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of hearing citizens in Nigeria”.
Having unveiled all his plans for the NNAD’s future development, the president used the occasion to appeal to those in the opposition camp to support him and his UPP-T team to consolidate from the gains already achieved by his administration.
He said, “Support Chidi/Haruna team because Chidi/Haruna Team is going to work together to make this dream come true within next 4 years with your full support”
The response generated from the president’s speech was electrifying as his speech was greeted with wide range of exciting applause from both his ardent admirers and those in the opposition sides.