Thread by @fmha_pa

PRESS STATEMENT

HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS MINISTER PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR DEAF AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITY.

HM @Sadiya_farouq says @FMHDSD will continue to support all Persons with Disabilities #PWDs and the Deaf to ensure that their inclusion, rights and participation in the

society are given utmost priority.
HM @Sadiya_farouq made the remark in Abuja on Wednesday September 23, when she held a briefing to mark the #internationalweekofthedeaf and #InternationalDayofSignLanguages.

She noted that @FMHDSD has been in the forefront of ensuring that the Nigeria Disability Commision is established to assuage the yearnings and aspirations of all persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
“The purpose of the #InternationalSignLanguageDay among others is to promote

linguistic identity and culture of deaf people all over the world.
“Let me assure you that the Federal Government, through the ministry, will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all persons with disabilities in Nigeria are carried along in governance by removing all

barriers which before now posed as hindrance for effective functioning of persons with disabilities”.

Earlier, the Secretary General of the Nigeria National Association of the Deaf, Chidi Topaz Oluije thanked the minister for marking the day in Nigeria as ten million persons

are said to be deaf according to the World Health Organization.
“According to WHO, ten million persons are Deaf in Nigeria. This shows that Sign Language is important for us to be able to mix with both the Deaf and the Hearing world and participate in politics, health or any

sector in the country”.

The celebration stems from the United Nations Resolution A/RES/72/161 adopted in 2017 which recognizes September 23 as the International Day of Sign Languages. The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Reaffirming Deaf People’s Human Rights’.

NNEKA IKEM ANIBEZE
SA MEDIA
23-09-2020