The Yagazie Weng Umezurike Foundation for the Deaf has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the welfare, inclusion, and empowerment of Deaf persons in Nigeria, particularly in the area of accessible education and equal opportunities.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Mr. Sylvester Umezurike, made the commitment on Tuesday in Abuja during the International Women’s Day celebration organized by the Women Wing of the Abuja Association of the Deaf.
The event, which brought together Deaf women, disability advocates, development partners, and stakeholders in the disability community, focused on empowerment, inclusion, and the advancement of women with disabilities in society.
Speaking as one of the sponsors of the event, Umezurike commended the organizers for what he described as a remarkable and historic gathering for the Deaf community in Nigeria.
According to him, initiatives that promote inclusion and amplify the voices of Deaf persons, especially women, are critical in building a society where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive regardless of disability.
In an emotional reflection, the foundation boss revealed that the establishment of the foundation was inspired by the personal experiences and challenges faced by his 13-year-old Deaf son, Yagazie.
“My first son, Yagazie, is Deaf. We are still struggling to get a proper school for him. It was because of his challenges that we, as a family of four, decided to establish this foundation — not just for our son, but for all Deaf children facing similar difficulties,” he said.
He explained that his family’s experience exposed them to the harsh realities confronting Deaf children and their families in Nigeria, particularly the scarcity of inclusive and quality educational opportunities.
According to him, the lack of accessible schools, inadequate learning support systems, communication barriers, and societal discrimination remain major obstacles limiting the growth and development of Deaf persons across the country.
Umezurike noted that these painful experiences motivated him to work closely with Deaf associations, disability advocates, and relevant stakeholders to champion a more inclusive, supportive, and accessible society for Deaf persons.
“That experience opened our eyes to the many barriers Deaf people face daily. It motivated me to collaborate with Deaf associations and advocates in order to build a society that is more inclusive, workable, and supportive for Deaf persons,” he stated.
He stressed that the foundation remains committed to advocating for improved access to education, empowerment opportunities, and social inclusion for Deaf children and adults in Nigeria.
The philanthropist also expressed gratitude to the organizers of the event for finding the foundation worthy to be part of the celebration, assuring them of continuous support and partnership whenever called upon.
He further applauded the courage, resilience, and determination of Deaf women who continue to overcome societal barriers despite persistent discrimination and exclusion.
Umezurike urged Deaf women not to relent in advocating for their rights and inclusion, emphasizing that sustained advocacy and unity among persons with disabilities are essential for achieving a just and equitable society.
“Your resilience is inspiring. Continue to raise your voices and advocate for inclusion until society becomes fair and accessible for everyone,” he added.
The event also featured discussions on women’s rights, mental health, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment for women with disabilities, with participants calling for stronger government policies and societal support to improve the lives of Deaf persons in Nigeria.
Stakeholders at the gathering emphasized the need for increased investment in inclusive education, accessible communication systems, and empowerment programs that would enable Deaf persons to contribute meaningfully to national development.
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