The Nigeria National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) has presented an award to a Deaf philanthropist, Olumeka Daniel Enwemike.
The award was presented to him in recognition of his significant impact and unwavering commitment to the welfare development of Deaf children and members of Deaf Associations, notably in Kwale, Delta and some other States.
The award was given to him during the 50 years golden jubilee of the Nigerian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) in Lafia, Nasarawa State. Incidentally the celebration came to a climax during the International week of the Deaf.
The award came as no surprise as the philanthropist is well recognized for his significant contribution to development of the Deaf community in several schools and remote areas.
Olumeka was a pioneer member and major player in the establishment of Ndokwa West Association of the Deaf, Kwale. The association is now affiliated with Delta State Association of the Deaf.
He also sponsored the maiden Deaf Awareness week event of the newly founded Association held in Kwale, Delta State in commemoration of the international week of the Deaf in 2021.
In an interview with Inclusive News Network, Olumeka Enwemike who could not hide his excitement on receiving his award from the apex Deaf body in Nigeria said: “I am excited to receive my award. With this award I’m inspired to do more for the Deaf community in my State.”
He said: “the Deaf community in Ndokwa West needs urgent interventions in education, health and employment. The level of education of several Deaf children in the community is relatively low.”
According to him, “Majority of Deaf children in the Local Government are illiterates. They don’t go to school because their parents don’t know where special schools are located. There is a special school far from the Local Government but no special teachers are employed. They are placed in an inclusive school where there are no special teachers with sign language skills.
Enwemike went on to emphasize that “Education is the bedrock of a just and thriving society and every Deaf child deserves not just qualitative education but inclusive education with provision of specially trained teachers.”
He says his foundation, Olumeka Daniel Enwemike Foundation, has a lot to offer the Deaf community in Delta State and Nigeria as a whole.
However, he was quick to point out that he cannot do everything alone, hence, he solicited support of the State Government and private sector to meet the needs of these children.
He called on the State Government to establish a special school in the State and employ special teachers with experience in sign language.
“We also want the Nigeria National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) and Delta State Association of the Deaf (DSAD) to look into the matter at Ndokwa West Local Government and take quick actions to save the future of Deaf children.
“I call on the Local Government Chairman to provide jobs for qualified special teachers to work in the inclusive school.
“My foundation plans to provide exercise books and other educational materials so they can learn in a conducive environment and receive the best education. We have a plan to support the DSAD on 3rd December this year during celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Enwemike concluded.