The Deaf Supporters Development Initiative (DSDI), representing Nigeria's hearing-impaired community, has made a passionate appeal to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian public for greater inclusion and support.
Call for Employment and Infrastructure
The group, which was formerly known as Deaf Business Men and Women In Nigeria (ODBMWIN), made these demands in Lagos during preparations for its upcoming seminar and symposium on Democracy, Disability and Development.
DSDI President Afolabi Dahunsi specifically called for gainful employment opportunities for deaf Nigerians and young school leavers. He also appealed for funds to cover Secretariat Administrative costs, including staff maintenance and regular updates to office equipment.
The community's infrastructure needs include:
- Computers, laptops, printers, and scanners
- Photocopy and binding machines
- Air conditioners and generating sets
- Office refrigeration and television sets
- Buses for mobility and transport
- Library books and agricultural land
The Quest for a Permanent Home
Dahunsi revealed that despite being founded in 1991, the organization still lacks a permanent home. "We appeal for the acquisition of a permanent site and secretariat to be built," he stated, emphasizing that this office would serve as a multipurpose training center for vocational skills.
The timing of these appeals is significant, coming ahead of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities on December 3, 2025, which carries the theme 'Fostering Disability Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress'.
Political Support and Policy Inclusion
While expressing support for President Tinubu's administration, Dahunsi highlighted the political marginalization faced by deaf citizens. "Political parties continue to use and dump the deaf since Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999," he lamented, noting that deaf people actively campaign and vote but are rarely rewarded with appointments.
The DSDI president did acknowledge positive steps, particularly the inclusion of sign language in Nigeria's school curriculum, which he described as a commendable effort to break communication barriers.
The group has themed its upcoming event 'Renewed Hope Agenda: A Life Saving Intervention for the Deaf and Persons with Disabilities', aiming to showcase their loyalty to the administration while presenting critical questions and suggestions to the government.
Dahunsi concluded by charging the President to focus on building a more secure, united, and prosperous Nigeria, assuring that the deaf community would continue to offer their encouragement and support.
