The Oyo State Association of the Deaf (OYSAD) has called for greater support and enforcement of the Nigerian Anti-Discrimination Act for Persons with Disabilities, passed in 2018.
Chairman of OYSAD, Moruff Yusuff, made the appeal on Thursday during a public lecture organised by the association and held at the Secretariat in Ibadan.
According to him, there is a pressing need for collaboration to ensure that persons with disabilities (PWDs), including the deaf, are fully included, protected, and granted equal rights in all areas of life.
The event also featured the conferment of an award on Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in recognition of his support for people living with disabilities in the state.
Yusuff stressed the importance of fostering full inclusion through improved deaf education, better social interaction, and stronger relationships between the deaf and hearing communities. He also encouraged the adoption of inclusive practices at home and in society at large.
“I feel deeply honoured to stand before you today as we open the first-ever Engineer Seyi Makinde Public Lecture and Press Conference,” he said. “This historic event is proudly organised by OYSAD in appreciation of the love and support our governor has shown to people living with disabilities, especially the deaf community.
“As we all know, leaders are elected to take care of every citizen, and that includes people with disabilities. The World Health Organisation tells us that at least 15% of every population is made up of people living with disabilities, out of which a substantial percentage are deaf. I call on everyone here to support the Nigerian Anti-Discrimination Act for Persons with Disabilities. Let us work together to ensure that every person with a disability, including the deaf, is included, protected, and given equal rights in all areas of life.”
Guest speaker at the event, Chief Imam of Oluyole Estate, Alhaji Mudathir Bada, commended Governor Makinde’s inclusive leadership, describing his care for PWDs in the state as exemplary.
Speaking on the topic “Seyi Makinde: A Model of Inclusiveness”, he urged other leaders to emulate Makinde’s qualities of humanity and service.
Receiving the award on behalf of Governor Makinde, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Kazeem Adeniyi, thanked OYSAD for the recognition and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to further supporting the PWD community.
