The hearing-impaired community in Nigeria, under the umbrella of the Deaf Supporters Development Initiative (DSDI), has issued a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians to support deaf citizens across the country by providing gainful employment and advancing disability-inclusive development.
The appeal was made in Lagos on Monday during a press briefing ahead of the organisation’s upcoming national seminar and symposium themed “Democracy, Disability and Development.”
The call also precedes the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD), which will be commemorated globally on December 3 with the theme “Fostering Disability Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.”
Formerly known as the Organisation of Deaf Business Men and Women in Nigeria (ODBMWIN), DSDI said employment, empowerment and inclusion remain critical challenges confronting deaf Nigerians, despite their active participation in national development.
Deaf Community Seeks Government’s Intervention
The President of DSDI, Afolabi Dahunsi, appealed to the Federal Government, private sector, civil society, and Nigerians of goodwill to support the organisation with employment opportunities and funding for administrative and operational needs.
According to Dahunsi, the organisation requires assistance to keep its secretariat functioning, including payment of staff and maintenance of work equipment.
He listed several urgent needs such as:
- Regular repair and upgrading of computers and office equipment
- Photocopiers, laptops, scanners, printers, binding machines, fax machines and air conditioners
- Electricity supply equipment such as generators
- Television sets and office refrigerators
- Provision of mobility buses to enhance transportation
- Books and resources to upgrade the organisation’s library
- Land for agricultural projects to create employment for deaf youths and school leavers
Dahunsi lamented that despite its longstanding contributions, the organisation still has no permanent office.
“We appeal for the acquisition of a permanent site and for a secretariat to be built,” he said. “This centre will be fully equipped with human and material resources and will serve as a multipurpose development base for vocational training and economic empowerment.”
Over Three Decades of Advocacy
Established in 1991, DSDI has consistently championed the rights of persons who are deaf and others with disabilities, promoting human rights, empowerment, accountability, democracy, and inclusive governance.
Despite this, Dahunsi said the organisation and its members continue to face challenges ranging from unemployment and exclusion from governance to limited access to essential support structures.
Tinubu Urged to Ensure Disability Inclusion
Dahunsi commended President Tinubu for recent steps taken to strengthen disability inclusion, particularly the introduction of sign language into the national school curriculum, which he described as “a milestone in breaking communication barriers.”
He, however, urged the President to further deepen political, economic and social inclusion for deaf Nigerians.
“We believe that with our encouragement and support as he seeks re-election, the President will do more to successfully pilot the affairs of the nation toward greater prosperity,” he said.
He noted that members of the deaf community will mark IDPWD 2025 by reaffirming their support for the President through the theme:
“Renewed Hope Agenda: A Life-Saving Intervention for the Deaf and Persons with Disabilities.
‘Political Parties Use and Dump Us’ — Dahunsi
Dahunsi expressed disappointment that although deaf Nigerians actively campaign and vote during elections, they are often overlooked for political appointments after candidates assume office.
“The deaf are loyal and hardworking members across different political parties,” he said. “But since the return to democracy in 1999, parties have continued to use and dump deaf persons after elections. We rarely receive appointments or recognition for our contributions.”
He stressed that the upcoming celebration is not solely to praise government but to table critical questions and policy recommendations that will promote meaningful inclusion of deaf people in political decision-making.
Celebration to Review Government Progress
The Guardian gathered that the 2025 observance will also feature presentations from analysts and stakeholders reviewing achievements of the current administration in disability rights and inclusive development.
Dahunsi said the gathering will continue to educate the public on the fact that “there is ability in disability”, and that a nation cannot achieve sustained growth while excluding millions of its citizens.
A Call for National Responsibility
As the world prepares to mark IDPWD 2025, the deaf community is urging government at all levels, political leaders, development partners and citizens to recognise the role, value and potential of persons who are deaf and invest in structures that empower them.
Dahunsi maintained that a more inclusive Nigeria is a more prosperous Nigeria, and called for policies that will ensure deaf Nigerians are not only seen but empowered, recognised and given the opportunity to contribute their full potential to national development.
