By Chris Agbo,

Deaf Women Aloud Initiative on Thursday, 9^th September. 2020 held her final validation of the SRH Sign Language Glossary.

The Executive Director, DWAI, Mrs. Hellen Anurika Beyioku-Alase in her opening remark, appreciated all those who participated in the development of the glossary, she recognized their sacrifices towards ensuring that the glossary become a reality. She acknowledges the important of concluding work on the glossary and have in our hospitals because deaf women cannot wait to have the glossary in all the hospitals across the FCT to bridge the gap of communication that exist between the health workers and deaf women. She pleaded for the patience on the part of all the stakeholders involved in the validation and also seek for the adoption of the glossary at the end of the validation.

The representative of Oxfam Voice, Sebastian Shikel in his speech expressed how important the project is for the Voice as an organization because reducing the communication gap between the health workers and deaf women is one that will enhance the health of deaf women and their family. He added that Voice believes in the principles of nothing about us without us, and they are also interested in the inclusiveness of the rightholders in all sphere of life. He said that they are proud of DWAI and what DWAI is doing is likened to what Inclusive Friends Association did for the elections developing a sign language manual, there is no doubt that the sign language glossary would be impactful.   

The participants went through the whole document of the glossary page by page, debated and made corrections ranging from the typographical errors, pictures and terminologies.

After going through all the pages of the glossary, the representative of all the stakeholders who played part in the development of the glossary and all those who supported the process including those who will be engaging deaf women using the glossary in the hospitals took turn to endorse and adopt the glossary for onward publication when all the corrections have been effected.

The major stakeholders that adopted the sign language glossary at the event were:  FCT-PHCB, IPAS, FCT Health Care Human Services, Marie Stopes Nigeria, Minister of Health, Deaf Women Association of Nigeria, Abuja Association of Deaf, JONAPWD FCT and a representative of the health workers.

During the adoption, the representative of the Ministry of Health demanded that their proper endorsement and adoption will take when the document have been cleaned up and printed, atleast a copy would be send to them for adoption and then they will recommend the use of the document across all hospitals. He said that it is the proper procedure for adoption by Federal Government.

The JONAPWD FCT Chairman, Alhaji Abdulmumuni Ujah, in his speech while adopting the glossary pleaded to DWAI Team to ensure that all the corrections made are reflected in the final document. He went on and urge the health workers to make use of the glossary when it is finally produced.

The participants at the validation were health workers from different health facilities, Dr. Ruguyya Wamaiko, FCT-PHCB (Director, PHC), Azeez Bukola, AD, Policy, Health Care Human Services, Public Health FCT, Theresa Labara Jaku from IPAS, Ike Stella Adaeze, Minister of Health, JONAPWD FCT, Deaf Women Association of Nigeria, Abuja Association of Deaf and the media (The Qualitative Magazine TQM team).

You would recall that SRH Sign Language is a project funded by VOICE aimed at improving access to sexual and reproductive health rights of Deaf women in Nigeria. SRH Sign Language glossary contains simple SRH terms in two languages (English and Sign Language) and can be used as a reference guide designed to minimize the communication gap between healthcare providers and the Deaf community especially Deaf women who visit the hospitals.

TQM learnt that the SRH Sign Language glossary has passed its final stage, the next stage is launching of the printed copies and engaging deaf women to familiarize them with the glossary.

The state chairman of Joint National Association of Persons with disabilities in Imo State chapter, Bright Uzoma has congratulated one of his members and the Special Adviser to Disability Matters, Dr. Samuelson on the gift of car given to him by the governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma.

In a press statement sent to The Qualitative Magazine TQM signed by the State Chairman, JONAPWD, he appreciated the governor which he described as a performing governor and his Chief of staff, Bar. Anyaehie for the unprecedented gesture towards the persons with disability in Imo state.

“We the entire persons with disabilities in Imo State are greatful and thankful” he said.

“I want to use this medium to appreciate APC because it is a party with ideology of Disability inclusion which they have also enshrined in their constitution” he concluded.

Dr Samuelson Emeihiwe, the special adviser on disability matters to Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma received a brand new 2019 model Toyota Hilux on Wednesday, 9th September, 2020.

The car will serve as an official vehicle to him to ease his movement while carrying out his duties as the eyes of the governor towards the welfare and issues affecting persons with disabilities in Imo State.

Abdul-Azeez Ibrahim has been appointed by Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto as the Special Adviser on Disability Matters. Abdul-Azeez Ibrahim is the chairman, Spinal cord Injuries Association of Nigeria (SCIAN) Sokoto State. Details later.

By Chris Agbo

The electoral committee of Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) BAUCHI State has defied court order stopping the elections to conduct the election.

The electoral committee was constituted headed by Malam Ali Shango as Chairman and Bulus Samaila Secretary. After all the preelection preparation, it came to the notice of the other contestants that the secretary of the electoral committee Bulus Samaila was contesting for the position of Deputy Chairman which violate the rule of natural justice that one can not be a judge in his own case. The other contestants suspecting Bulus for conniving with one Saminu Umar contesting for the position of Chairman to rig the election in their favour. Furthermore a day to the election the delegates were not informed about the election.

After efforts by the other contestants Haruna SA’IDU Pali and HAMZA Waziri to have the election postponed and all the irregularities corrected to enable a free fair and credible conduct of election were all in vain. Hamza Waziri one of the contestant went to court for interlocutory injunction to restrain the electoral committee from conducting the election. The order was defied by the electoral committee, they went ahead and conducted the election despite the order of court.

TQM learnt that the court has fixed Friday 11th September, 2020 to begin hearing of the case.

TQM report

Association of Applicants/Workers with Disabilities in Nigeria resumed their advocacy visit to major agencies of government on Wednesday 9th September, 2020 in Abuja.

The group was seen protesting in the entrance of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) demanding inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) into the Agency workforce.

A member of the group, Arome Ibro told our correspondent that the group will not stop until PWDs are well mainstreamed into the workforce of the agencies of the government in fulfillment of Discrimination against persons with disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 which allocated 5% employment opportunity to PWDs in every establishment. He also said that he who wears the shoe knows where it pinches and that is why they will never rest untill persons with Disabilities are given equal opportunity and equal treatment in Nigeria.

“With God on our side, our advocacy is yielding positive results for our people” he added.

The Chairman of the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Nigeria, Sokoto State chapter, Abdulazeez Ibrahim, said they have lost many members because of the high cost of treatment.

In a chat with the press in an event to commemorate this year’s ” Spinal Cord Injury Day”, he lamented at the rate at which their members were dying because they couldn’t afford medical treatments.

He said that spinal cord operation is now one million naira but before the operation, one would have to spend Seventy Five thousand naira (N75,000) on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

“And we pay N2000 to N3000 on each physiotherapy.“This is very disturbing because some of these people cannot afford three square meals.“Some have to dispose of their land to pay for the MRI test, but cannot pay for the operation.

“We are appealing to the government to subsidize spinal cord injury treatment in order to save our lives,” he said.

He also regretted how their members were losing their spouses because of their problems.

“I have a member who was divorced by her husband and some whose wives have left them because of their problems,” he added.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the establishment of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and urged state governments to domesticate the act in their respective states.

He appreciated the International Republic Institute(IRI) and Leprosy mission for their immense help in organizing series of event in order to domesticate and implement disability act in the state. Just last week, a public hearing for the domestication of disability act in the state was held.

He commended in no small measure the State Commissioner of social welfare, Haijah, Prof. Aisha Madawaki for donating 5 tricycle to their members and also promised to give her support when needed.

The event was sponsored by Tambuwal youth ambassadors TYA.

A bungalow built and furnished for Miss Ada Aniwetalu in Umuazu, Nteje community, Oyi LGA of Anambra state, by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Archbishop Valerian Okeke was today handed over to the girl.

Ada Aniwetalu, a physically challenged girl was born without both arms. According to Archbishop Okeke, the unfortunate situation of the girl was brought to his attention by a Reverend Sister and seeing the girl’s ability in her disability, being able to write and perform tasks with her toes, he resolved to help her achieve her life’s goals thus, he placed her on a fully-paid scholarship together with her friend (her helper).

In view of the need to provide her with a living apartment conducive for her personal development and studies, the Archbishop brought the plight of the girl and the proposed project to the attention of some individuals who contributed the money with which the project was realized in record time.

The Archbishop thanked everyone who made contributions towards the timely completion of the house acknowledging in particular, the magnanimity of Senator Victor Umeh, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma (Ebube Muonso), Sir Ikem Osanakpo KSG, Sir Evaristus Ubah KSJI among others.

TQM report

“International Days” are celebrated to mark important aspects of human life and history, hence the ‘Spinal Cord Injury Day’ which is celebrated on 5th September every year with the intention of increasing awareness amongst the general public. It is presumed that the awareness would facilitate an inclusive life for persons with disability and ensure greater chances of success of prevention programmes.

Rebuilding Hope on Wheels Initiative (RHOWI) joined the world in this year celebration of the day with “an interactive workshop for peer supporters and families affected by spinal cord injuries at the Palace Treats, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State. The workshop recorded participants from Ogun, Oyo and Osun State among others south western states of Nigeria.

RHOWI capitalized on this year’s theme “Covid-19 and SCI: Staying well” to organize the workshop and meeting for the peers supporter in south west Nigeria. Among discussion focus at this workshop was nutrition, bladder and bowel care, pressure ulcers prevention and cure, increasing empathy in peer support and staying well with COVID-19.

In her opening remark Hajia Amina Rahma Audu, founder of RHOWI and a board member of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities thanked every participant at the workshop, she reiterated the importance of spinal cord injury day in creating awareness for SCI and give reasons why we must formed ourselves into strong peers supporters to give hope to new entrants into the SCI world and as well lighten up those that are dampen in fear of the unknown. She also said a word of thanks to their partners Wheels of Happiness Foundation, More Than Walking and Mrs. Foluke Idowu and her team from International Living Programme for People Living with Disability (ILP).

Participant at the workshop were excited the workshop was put in place, they agreed it’s a long overdue step taken to put spinal cord injury survivors on the conscience of the society hoping it will pave way for the elusive inclusive society.

Mr. Sope Alabede a member of RHOWI who moderated the workshop enjoined all participants to see their self as a shining light to the society and others living with SCI that are still in denial stage. Mr. Lucky Olayinka who led the Osun State delegation to the workshop was full of praises to RHOWI for putting up such a laudable program for peer supporters which will in turn have ripple effect on spinal cord injury survivors in Nigeria.

All the participants utnanimously make a passionate call to government and the society at large to give spinal cord injury critical attention for survivors not to go through the attendant effect of living with spinal cord injury, they call on government and corporate organization in the country to put up a comprehensive rehabilitation center for spinal cord injury treatment and management.

On his part Mr. Ayo Awobona the South West Coordinator of RHOWI implored all participants to be empathetic while carrying out their peer supporter duty, empathy he said is important because it improves connection between all parties and it increases the will of helping each other. In his closing remark he said spinal cord injury is not the end of the world to a survivor but the beginning of another world which can only be made interesting by the support a survivor have access to.

See Pictures of the event