Abuja, September 12th, 2024 – In a significant step towards advancing the rights and welfare of the deaf community, the Abuja Association of the Deaf (AAD) paid a high-level advocacy visit to the Office of the Mandate Secretary, Hon. Bitrus Lawrence Garki-Atafache, at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Services Secretariat. The meeting aimed to address pressing issues related to inclusivity, accessibility, and the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs), especially the deaf community, within the FCT.
Led by Ayoade Beyioku-Alase, the Chairman of AAD, the delegation was warmly received by Hon. Garki-Atafache and his team. This landmark visit, which comes during Deaf Awareness Month, signals a critical moment in the ongoing advocacy for the inclusion of persons with disabilities, as the AAD passionately presented a series of key demands focused on enhancing the lives of deaf individuals in Abuja and the broader FCT.
Advocating for a More Inclusive FCT
During the meeting, the AAD delegation laid out a comprehensive agenda aimed at addressing long-standing issues that continue to hinder full inclusion for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Their demands included:
- Implementation of the 5% Employment Quota for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs): The delegation called for the strict enforcement of the 5% employment quota mandated for PWDs in government institutions and services across the FCT. This quota, enshrined in Nigerian law, has yet to be fully implemented, leaving many persons with disabilities, including those from the deaf community, excluded from critical employment opportunities.
- Allocation of 10% of Each Area Council’s Budget Towards PWDs: The AAD stressed the need for every Area Council within the FCT to allocate 10% of their budget to support persons with disabilities. This allocation, they argued, would ensure that PWDs have access to resources and programs designed to improve their living conditions and foster economic empowerment.
- Establishment of a Disability Desk Officer or Special Adviser on Disability Matters: Recognizing the need for a dedicated point of contact within the government to handle disability issues, the AAD advocated for the creation of a Disability Desk Officer or a Special Adviser on Disability Matters in each Area Council. This role would ensure that the concerns and needs of the PWD community are addressed in a timely and effective manner.
- Support for the Upcoming International Week of the Deaf People: The AAD requested the FCT’s partnership and support for the upcoming International Week of the Deaf People. This global event provides a platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the deaf community and celebrate their achievements. The AAD hopes to work with the FCT government to ensure that the week-long event is successful and impactful.
- Partnership in Advocating for the Domestication of the Disability Act in the FCT: Although Nigeria passed the Disability Act in 2019, its domestication in various states, including the FCT, has been slow. The AAD urged the Mandate Secretary to join their advocacy efforts in pushing for the full domestication of the Act in the FCT, ensuring that the rights of PWDs are protected and upheld at the local level.
- Palliative Measures for PWDs Affected by the Economic Downturn: In light of the economic challenges facing Nigeria, the AAD requested that palliative measures be introduced to support PWDs, particularly those who have been disproportionately affected by the economic downturn. These measures would help alleviate the financial burden on PWDs, ensuring they are not left behind during difficult times.
- Inclusion of PWDs in the Fertilizer Subsidy Program: The delegation also called for the inclusion of PWDs in government subsidy programs, specifically the fertilizer subsidy program, which would help PWDs, particularly those in rural areas, engage in agricultural activities and improve their livelihoods.
- Involvement of Sign Language Interpreters in Official Events: One of the key demands was the inclusion of Sign Language Interpreters at all official events and programs within the FCT. This would ensure that deaf individuals can participate fully in public life and access vital information.
- Acceptance as a Patron of the AAD: Lastly, the AAD invited Hon. Garki-Atafache to become a patron of the organization, providing leadership, guidance, and advocacy for the deaf community.
Mandate Secretary’s Commitment to Inclusivity
In response to the AAD’s advocacy, Hon. Bitrus Lawrence Garki-Atafache expressed his deep appreciation for the work of the AAD and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting inclusivity and accessibility for persons with disabilities. He pledged to partner with the AAD on various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the deaf community in the FCT and beyond.
“The issues raised here today are crucial, not just for the deaf community but for the broader FCT,” Hon. Garki-Atafache stated. “We are committed to ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left behind. Your demands will be forwarded to the relevant stakeholders for immediate consideration, and I am personally committed to advocating for the full implementation of these initiatives,” he added.
In a show of support, Hon. Garki-Atafache accepted the role of patron of the Abuja Association of the Deaf, pledging to provide guidance and champion the rights of the deaf community. He also promised to work closely with the AAD in pushing for the domestication of the Disability Act in the FCT, a move that would significantly enhance the legal protections available to PWDs in the region.
Positive Outcomes and Future Collaborations
The AAD delegation left the meeting optimistic about the future, expressing satisfaction with the commitments made by Hon. Garki-Atafache. “This is a step in the right direction. We are pleased with the positive reception we received today, and we look forward to working with the FCT government to make the FCT a more inclusive and accessible place for all, particularly the deaf community,” said Ayoade Beyioku-Alase.
He noted that the next steps would involve working closely with government officials to ensure that the promises made are turned into actionable policies and programs. “We will continue to engage with stakeholders, ensuring that the deaf community’s voice is heard, and their rights are upheld,” Beyioku-Alase concluded.
A Unified Front for Change
The meeting, which took place during Deaf Awareness Month, serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the deaf community, not just in Abuja but across Nigeria. However, with advocates like the AAD leading the charge, and government officials like Hon. Garki-Atafache showing support, there is hope for a more inclusive future.
The Abuja Association of the Deaf expressed gratitude to its members and delegates for their unwavering support and dedication. Special recognition was given to the delegation, which included Idemudia Lawrence JP, Muyiwa Timothy Afolayan, Queen Taibat Janet Fasakin, and Damian Fanen Ayua, as well as the Sign Language Interpreters, Ayodipo Beyioku-Alase and Mrs. Martha Osadare, for their invaluable contributions during the advocacy visit.
Looking Ahead
The advocacy visit by the AAD is part of a broader effort to ensure that the rights and needs of persons with disabilities are recognized and addressed. As the FCT government works towards fulfilling its commitments, the AAD remains steadfast in its mission to promote inclusivity and equal opportunities for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
With continued collaboration between government officials, disability advocates, and media partners, the future looks promising for the deaf community in Abuja, paving the way for a society where no one is left behind.
