In a bold move to promote inclusive national security, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), FCT Command, has trained more than 250 of its personnel in Basic Sign Language. The graduation ceremony was held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at the Command Headquarters in Abuja.
The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, commended the FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, for his dedication to fostering inclusion and protection for persons with disabilities. Describing the initiative as a historic milestone, Gufwan hailed Dr. Odumosu as “OO1 Inclusion Protection Advocate.”
“Inclusion in security must go beyond communication,” Gufwan said. “I respectfully call on the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to not only employ trained Deaf individuals but also to implement the 5% employment quota for persons with disabilities, as stipulated in the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, and the revised Public Service Rules of 2021.”
He further reiterated the Commission’s commitment to supporting NSCDC and other security agencies through technical assistance, capacity building, and strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening the national inclusion agenda. “We are confident that the Corps can serve as a model for accessibility, representation, and fairness,” he added.
In his remarks, Dr. Olusola Odumosu highlighted the significance of capacity building in modern security operations.
“Training and retraining remain central to our strategy of building a resilient and professional security outfit,” he noted. “This sign language training is part of the milestones we have achieved in the past two years to meet the evolving needs of our society.”
Dr. Odumosu congratulated the graduating personnel, describing the completion of the programme as a testament to their dedication and a major step toward inclusive security across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
“By acquiring these skills, you are now equipped to bridge communication gaps and ensure that every citizen—regardless of ability—feels safe, heard, and included,” he said. “Inclusion lies at the heart of effective security. Learning Sign Language is a powerful commitment to giving voice to the Deaf and hard of hearing community.”
The initiative, he emphasized, extends beyond mere communication—it rebuilds trust, affirms dignity, and forges connections once considered impossible.
Dr. Arowolo Ayoola, Founder of Deaf-In Tech, also praised the programme.
“What the NSCDC FCT Command has done with this Basic Sign Language Training is nothing short of historic,” he said. “This is the first time a Nigerian security agency has made such a bold and organized effort to close the gap between the state and a community long rendered invisible.”
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to the graduates, who pledged to actively promote accessibility, uphold the law, and advance inclusion in their respective areas of service.
Both the NCPWD and the NSCDC reaffirmed their shared commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens by ensuring equal opportunities for every member of society to thrive.
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