A group that protects rights and advocates for deaf people in Ondo state, ‘Task Force Security For The Deaf’ has celebrated its inaugural anniversary, today, at the Odigbo Local Government Secretariat Hall, in the Odigbo area of Ondo state.
Speaking at the Odigbo ‘Task Force Security For The Deaf’ anniversary and awareness program, the leader of the group, Mr. Akinmusini Olalekan highlighted the day-to-day struggle encountered by people living with hearing disabilities, Peak Newspaper Nigeria reports.
He described the Nigerian society as one that “stigmatizes, neglects and decimates” people who are living with one disability or the other, forcing disabled individuals, especially deaf people to roam the street and beg for alms.
Mr. Olalekan decried some inhuman treatment that deaf people suffer daily, including: street begging, lack of support and limited opportunities.
He appealed to the Governor of Ondo state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa to “facilitate empowerment programs for people with special needs and disabled; create job opportunities, where people living with disabilities can thrive and initiate support service to assist deaf individuals.
Furthermore, he emphasized the need for the government and stakeholders, to collaborate with the Non Governmental Organization (NGOs), in order to provide targeted support and employment for dead people and advocate for their rights and interest in policymaking.
Nevertheless, during his speech at the ‘Task Force Security For The Deaf’ anniversary and awareness event, the Chairman, Odigbo Local Government, Honourable Taiwo Adegoroye described the event as “inspiring, and life-changing.”
He assured people living with hearing impairment and other disabilities, in Odigbo, of solid support by his administration.
