The need for parents, government, and religious organizations in Nigeria to live up to empower the deaf so they could live a fulfilled life formed the focus of the 28th Annual Anniversary of the Association of Deaf Muslims in Nigeria held at Olomi in Ibadan.
The guest lecturer at the event, Dr Nojimdeen Agboluaje bemoaned the lackadaisical attitude of the government to the plight of deaf Muslims, saying the government should emulate developed countries where deaf and persons with special needs are given official responsibilities.
Speaking through an interpreter, the National Amir, Association of Deaf Muslims in Nigeria who is also a senior lecturer, at the Federal College of Education, Special Oyo, Alhaji Saka Dagbo, enumerated some of the challenges confronting deaf Muslims to include scarcity of Deaf Muslim Schools and Muslim teachers, neglect of deaf Muslims by Islamic organizations and exclusion deaf Muslims from empowerment programmes of government and philanthropic individuals.
In an interview, the representative of the Executive Assistant to Oyo State Governor on Disability Matters, Mrs. Sakirat Ogundeji, said the government of Oyo State is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that the deaf in the state receives socioeconomic boosts in the aspiration to actualise their dreams.
Various speakers at the event encouraged parents to give formal education to their deaf children and allow them to practice their faith.
The event which featured the commissioning of a mosque for Deaf Muslims attracted participants from Ibarapa, Oke Ogun, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Ibadan zones of the association, and Deaf Muslims from Lagos State.
Rotimi Famakin
pub-5160901092443552
Related Posts
