The deaf want better deal
From Bosede Oji and Florence Orelade, Jos
THE deaf in the country under the aegis of the Nigerian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD), at the weekend in Jos, Plateau State, urged governments, corporate bodies and wealthy citizens to come to their aid.
At the association's 17th annual general meeting, the NNAD's President, Mr. Tola Odusanya, appealed for assistance, to enable their members realise their dreams and aspirations in life.
"We would need adequate financial assistance from well-meaning Nigerians to embark on our lofty goals," Odusanya said.
He called on governments' parastatals, well-meaning Nigerians and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to assist the association.
"We should all remember that we do not pray for disabilities. We are however all open to the risk of disability. We should remember that a disabled person could be our family member. A person with certain defects needs understanding and assistance," he added.
The Plateau State president of the association, Mr. Nehemiah Daret, urged governments to pay more attention to the association, which is the umbrella body for all deaf persons in the country.
He thanked the state government for sponsoring six deaf students to study overseas within the last four years and appealed to the government to continue its noble gesture for the deaf.
Daret said the issue of unemployment among the deaf has become a source of worry to the association and well-meaning Nigerians.
He added that some deaf persons who had acquired some experience in various fields were yet to get employment.
"Some of these people have taken to fraudulent solicitation of money from the general public thereby defrauding people. This fraudulent practice is an embarrassment to all of us who aspire to live decent lives", he said.
The NNAD chief said a vehicle, preferably a bus, a computer and an office were needed by the association to facilitate its activities.
The gathering, which was expectant of dignitaries from both federal and state levels, was not well attended.
However, the donation expected for lifting some of the burdens of the association was not encouraging. Only 10 thousand naira was realised.
Meanwhile a representative of the Plateau State Governor, Mrs. Mary Pali, expressed optimism that the association's plea would be made known to the governor and believed that it should be met.
