By Jessica John Bakari
The Adamawa State Association of the Deaf, ASAD, has held its 6th State Annual General Meeting in Mubi with a call on government and stakeholders to move the Deaf community from exclusion to inclusion.
The meeting held at the ADSU Hall, Jika Mana, Mubi local government, with the theme _”From Exclusion to Inclusion: Building a United Front for the Deaf in Governance and Empowerment.
In his welcome address, the State Chairman of ASAD, Comrade Christopher Colman Sa’ad, thanked Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for sponsoring the AGM and for his inclusive leadership towards persons with disabilities in the state.
Comrade Sa’ad said the theme reflects the lived realities of Deaf persons across the Mubi Zone and the entire state, including exclusion from information, public services and opportunities.
He quoted renowned Deaf scholar, Professor Harlan Lane, that deafness is not just an audiological condition but a disability that restricts full participation in society due to environmental and attitudinal barriers, noting that Deaf persons need full involvement in empowerment, education, employment, politics and social welfare.
The Chairman stressed that the Association is not begging, but demanding constitutional rights to inclusion as provided by the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Act, 2018.
Comrade colman called for inclusion of Deaf persons in all empowerment programmes, skills acquisition and business support schemes organized by government and NGOs.
He then advocated for provision of professional Sign Language Interpreters in public institutions including ADSU, State and Local Government Secretariats, General Hospitals, INEC, National Orientation Agency, security agencies and the media.
The state chairman of ASAD commended government for sustaining the School for the Deaf in Mubi, pointing out that true inclusion goes beyond the school to making the entire society accessible.
During the event 15 selected deaf members were empowerment from across Michika, Mubi North and South, maiha, Madagali on merit and need, with Ten Thousand Naira each as small-scale business support.
He appreciated Governor Fintiri, traditional rulers, the Vice Chancellor of ADSU, Local Government Chairmen, security agencies, JONAPWD leaders, NGOs, and all delegates from the 21 Local Government Areas for honouring the meeting.
In a goodwill message the Vice-Chancellor of Adamawa State University, Mubi, Professor Augustine Clement, who was represented by the Director of the Career Development Centre, Doctor Sunday Peter Zira, said inclusion must go beyond sympathy to providing opportunities in education, skills acquisition, employment and entrepreneurship.
Professor Clement noted that ADSU had incorporated accessibility into its infrastructure, including recently constructed lecture halls and laboratories, while persons with disabilities are also serving as lecturers and administrators.
The Emir of Mubi, Doctor Abubakar Isa Ahmadu, who was represented at the occasion commended the Association for remaining united and resilient despite the challenges confronting its members. He urged them to continue striving to become productive contributors to society.
The District Head of Michika, Ngida Zakawa, who was once a principal at the school for special education in Jada, commended ASAD for its unity and commitment.
He encouraged members to engage in productive physical activities and cautioned young people against drug abuse.
during the event ,the state chairman of ASAD also presentated an awards to individuals who had contributed their time, energy and resources to the Association, as well as a special empowerment programme for 15 selected Deaf members aimed at strengthening their economic independence.
Higligt of the event was paper presentations and Traditional dances also added color to the programme.
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