The Most Reverend Dr Stephen Dami Mamza, Catholic Bishop of the Yola Diocese, is advocating for the recognition of sign language as Nigeria’s third official language. He aims to foster a sense of belonging for the deaf community.
Bishop Mamza expressed these views during the 5th Annual General Meeting and the 2nd Northeast Summit of the Deaf Association. The event was themed “Breaking Communication Barriers in the North-East: Sign Language Recognition as a Pathway to Inclusive Development.”
In his address, Bishop Mamza extended his sincere appreciation to the deaf community in Adamawa State for inviting him to chair this significant meeting.
“This is a considerable honour for me. I warmly welcome all attendees from across the North-East, and I am grateful to God for our safe journey. I pray for the success of this ceremony,” stated the Bishop.
He emphasised that individuals within the deaf community are invaluable assets to humanity and deserve recognition through their inclusion in various societal activities, including politics, religious observances, and social events. The Bishop encouraged everyone to actively learn and engage with sign language.
Furthermore, he urged the government to incorporate sign language into the curricula of primary and secondary schools to ensure that the deaf community feels integrated into society.
Christopher Colman Sa’ad, Chairman of the Adamawa State Association of the Deaf, welcomed members from six states in the Northeast region.
On this auspicious occasion, he remarked, “We gather to commemorate the International Day of the Deaf in partnership with the North East Deaf Association, acknowledging the significant contributions that deaf individuals make to our society as they break barriers and push boundaries across various fields.”
Sa’ad noted that communication barriers impede the clear exchange of information and can lead to misunderstandings. He asserted that recognising sign language serves as a vital bridge for overcoming communication obstacles between individuals and society as a whole.
Additionally, he expressed gratitude for Bishop Mamza’s unwavering support for individuals with special needs throughout Adamawa and beyond.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of awards to Bishop Mamza and other honorees, accompanied by performances and lectures.
