The Abia State Commission for the Welfare of Disabled Persons has issued a powerful call to action, urging the deaf community within the state to adopt creativity and innovation as key tools for their inclusion and integration into society. This charge came during a courtesy visit paid to the Commission by the Abia State Deaf Association, which met with the Commission’s Chairman, Mr. David Obinna Anyaele.
In his address, Anyaele emphasized the Abia State government’s commitment to improving the welfare of persons with disabilities. However, he stressed that for the government to effectively contribute to the empowerment of the deaf community, it was imperative for disability organizations to actively engage in creating innovative solutions. According to Anyaele, the government is ready to listen, but it expects disability clusters to come forward with proposals that reflect long-term visions and collective goals.
“This is your first time visiting me, and I thank you for coming,” Anyaele began, “but unfortunately, you came here today solely to seek financial support. I expected you to come and share ideas on how to move the deaf community forward and propose ways to position your cluster to achieve its goals and mandates.”
He continued by pointing out the importance of brainstorming and sharing ideas that would promote the progress of the community. Anyaele explained that his expectations had been focused on hearing solutions, recommendations, and initiatives to address the numerous challenges faced by the deaf community. He expressed disappointment that the group’s main concern seemed to be a request for financial backing to attend a convention in Abeokuta.
“We consider these as minor issues and the least of our mandates because this is not what the governor created the commission for,” he said, reiterating that financial assistance for trips or events is not the primary purpose of the commission. Rather, the Commission exists to foster inclusion, empower persons with disabilities, and address systemic barriers hindering their full participation in society.
Focus on Long-Term Impact, Not Short-Term Solutions
Anyaele’s remarks carried a clear message: the Abia State Disability Commission is committed to empowering persons with disabilities through structural, policy-driven change. However, he underscored the need for groups like the Deaf Association to bring forward creative and forward-thinking proposals that can capture the attention and support of the government.
“What we need are futuristic and innovative ideas that will enhance your community’s inclusion and advocate for the rights of deaf persons—not short-term favors,” he said. Anyaele reiterated that while the Commission is willing to provide support, its role is not to meet individual financial needs but to push for long-term, systemic change.
Anyaele also pointed out that the State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, Executive Governor of Abia State, has shown genuine commitment to the deaf community by appointing a deaf person to a leadership position within the Commission. This, he noted, is a testament to the governor’s dedication to inclusion and the elevation of persons with disabilities to roles of influence within the government.
However, Anyaele cautioned the deaf community against complacency, urging them not to squander the opportunity given to them. “This is a chance to achieve long-term goals that will benefit every deaf person in Abia State,” he said, emphasizing that the community must take advantage of the goodwill extended by the government.
Unity and Collaboration are Key
The Commission’s Chairman called on the deaf community to unite and collaborate to advance their collective interests. He urged them to avoid the politics and internal divisions that often hinder progress in advocacy groups, and instead work together to achieve their shared goals.
“You all should work together to support your community chairman in order to make things work for your entire community,” Anyaele said, warning that any efforts to cause disunity would not only harm the association but also set back the progress of deaf people across the state. “It is either you work together to open doors for the deaf community in Abia State, or you work in disunity to close doors against yourselves.”
In a bid to steer the community toward more impactful initiatives, Anyaele encouraged the Abia Deaf Association to propose ways that the Commission could benefit from their participation in the forthcoming National Deaf Convention in Abeokuta. He also called for a post-convention review to help guide the Commission in identifying key areas for future intervention and support.
“We need your collaboration to ensure that government programs and activities directly benefit the deaf community,” Anyaele said. He assured the association that the Commission would provide support where necessary, but only for initiatives that promise to leave a lasting impact for the benefit of all deaf persons in the state.
The Deaf Community’s Plea for Support
Earlier in the meeting, the Chairman of the Abia Deaf Association, Mr. Emenike Amakwe, had outlined the association’s need for financial support, particularly for their upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) and elections, scheduled for September 22-28. Amakwe explained that the association is financially burdened due to its large membership, which now includes a merged cluster of the deaf, dumb, and hard of hearing.
“We are supposed to have three clusters: the deaf, dumb, and hard of hearing,” Amakwe said, “but we have merged them into one, and the responsibility for this large number is why we are here to seek support.”
Amakwe also mentioned the association’s need for assistance in planning and preparing for the 2024 Deaf Awareness Week, set to take place in November.
Ms. Chidinma Chinedu, the Women Leader of the association, added her voice to the plea for support, requesting funds to help the group attend the upcoming National Deaf Convention in Ogun State. The group hoped to be part of the convention’s activities and gain valuable insights for their community.
A Call for Innovation and Advocacy
While the members of the deaf association sought financial support for short-term needs, the Commission’s Chairman pushed back, insisting that the future of the community should be built on creativity, innovation, and long-term strategies. Anyaele urged the group to think beyond immediate concerns and focus on how to create sustainable change that would benefit the wider deaf community.
He closed the meeting with a call for unity, synergy, and commitment to the cause of disability rights in Abia State. By working together, Anyaele believes the deaf community can help pave the way for greater inclusion, enhanced opportunities, and a brighter future for persons with disabilities.
As the meeting ended, it became clear that the conversation between the Abia State Disability Commission and the Deaf Association marked the beginning of a new chapter—one that calls for proactive thinking, innovation, and a collective drive toward a more inclusive society.
ENDS
