The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende has urged deaf group in Badagry not to give up their dreams.
Ogunlende gave the advice during 4th Edition of Deaf Awareness Day, organised by Badagry Deaf Association in collaboration with Lagos State Association of the Deaf in Badagry.
The theme of the Day was titled: “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights
According to the commissioner, your talents, dreams, and contributions are a vital part of Badagry’s future.
“I know many Deaf persons still face barriers in healthcare and employment. But remember this disability is not inability.
“Your silence does not mean weakness. Your lives speak loudly of courage, creativity, and strength.
“To every young person here never give up do not let anyone make you feel less than who you are. Your potential is limitless,” he said.
Ogunlende who was represented at the by Ajande Pascal, a prominent Badagry youth leader called on
community leaders, families, and friends to open more doors of opportunities in schools and workplaces for them.
“True inclusion begins when each understand and respect in our daily actions. My brothers and sisters, Badagry sees you. Lagos State sees you.
“And the world hears your voice, even in silence. Together, let us build a society where every person hearing or Deaf lives with dignity and pride,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Babatunde Hunpe, the Chairman of Badagry Local Government Area in Lagos, assured them of dividend of democracy during his tenure in office.
Hunpe said the council would give the deaf group a befitting office in the council Secretariat.
“Let me assured you that very soon you will have your office in Badagry local government, where you can boldly say you are part of the government.
“You will have office where you can lodge your complaints and advise the government and we will listen to all requests that comes from your office,” he said.
In his remarks, Mr Ekundayo Sejiro, the Chairman, Badagry Deaf Association, said the theme of the day was particularly relevant to them in Badagry.
“For the Deaf community, sign language is not a privilege—it is a right. Without it, access to education, healthcare, justice, and participation in governance remains incomplete.
“Sadly, many of our members here in Badagry continue to face barriers: lack of interpreters in schools and hospitals, exclusion from government programmes, and persistent stigma in employment and social life.
“These are reminders that there is still much work to be done,’ he said.
Sejoro commended Mr Sesi Whingan for his recent empowerment programme for persons with disabilities.
“We are grateful for this initiative, but we must also stress that such empowerment should be a continuous process, not a one-off gesture.
“We call on our two representatives at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Solomon Bonu and Setonji David to prioritise the welfare of persons with disabilities in Badagry by appointing a Senior Special Assistant on Disability Matters.
“The level of negligence shown to the disability community in Badagry is too high and must change.
“We are not asking for charity, but for fairness, inclusion, and the recognition of our rights as equal citizens,” he said.
The chairman also called for the establishment of disability desks at the Badagry Local Government Secretariat, at the General Hospital, and across other key institutions in our community.
“These will ensure that persons with disabilities receive the attention and services they rightfully deserve,” he said.
The chairman appreciated BLG, LASU, Real Act of kindness, ASCON, Nigeria French Language Village and others for their support in ensuring the success of the event.
