We Need Borno State Government Support to Study Abroad - Borno PWD Member Tells Gov. Zulum

 

by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe

28th July, 2025

 

          An official of Borno State Association of the Deaf (BOSAD), who is currently serving as an Assistant Secretary General of the association identified as Ali Modu Gubio, has called on the Borno State Government under the leadership of His Excellency Gov. prof. Babagana Umara Zulum to consider sponsoring Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) students to study abroad as part of Gov. Zulum's inclusive administration. 

Gubio, who discribed the Governor as a true friend of persons with disabilities made the call Tuesday through a social media post on his Facebook page.

He wrote: "It is with great sense of humility and fulfilment that I, on behalf of the leadership of Borno State Association of the Deaf (BOSAD), and that of Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWDs) Borno State Chapter, appreciated His Excellency Gov. Babagana Umara Zulum for prioritizing the inclusion of PWDs in his administration" 

He added, "the administration of His Excellency Gov.  Babagana Umara Zulum should extend it's milk of human kindness to provide  employment opportunities and sponsor students with disabilities who graduated from school for the Deaf study outide the country as was recently done to other indigene students of Borno State"

It may be recalled that the Borno State  government has sponsored180 post-graduate students for higher education in Malaysia and India respectively. 

Ali Modi Gubio, Assistant Secretary General, Borno State Association of the Deaf (BOSAD)

This kind gesture demonstrated by Gov. Zulum-led administration has been praised and widely celebrated by many citizens of the state including PWDs who felt they too,  should be included in such gigantic educational support as they have among them students with excellent grades who can made the State proud and contribute meaningfully to the development of the state provided opportunity was given to them, Ability News Network reports.

Youth Development: NNAD Tasks Youth Ministry On Inclusion of Deaf Youth in National Development Programmes, National Youth CONFAB

 

by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe

27th July, 2025

In a groundbreaking and sustaining efforts to facilitate the fuller integration and Inclusion of  Nigerian  Deaf youth community in all aspects of societal life, the  Nigerian National Association of Deaf (NNAD) National Headquarters had recently held a  strategic  meeting with the Minister of Youth Development  honourable  Ayodele Olawande Wisdom  in his office.

The visit underscores the NNAD"s commitment to building workable network and  partnership with relevant government institutions, coorporate bodies, Community Based Societies (CBSs) Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the private sectors to champion Inclusion for the thriving Deaf community in the country.

The NNAD's delegation led by its able National President Hon. Haruna Muhammad accompanied by the National Youth Leader, Mr. Ashiru Abubakar who was ably represented by NNAD Katsina State branch Public Relations Officer, Mr. Sani Umar held a significant discussions with the  Minister of Youth Development on topical issues pertaining to the overall growth and development of teaming Deaf youth population in Nigeria.

Speaking on the objectives of the NNAD's advocacy visit to the Hon. Minister of Youth Development, the NNAD's National President Hon. Haruna Muhammad provided a comprehensive overview of NNAD's mission, vision, and objectives, highlighting the organization's commitment to promoting the rights and welfare of deaf individuals across Nigeria.

He stressed the urgent need for a workable collaboration between the NNAD and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to fast tract the devwlopment and inclusion of Deaf individuals in the youth-deriven policies and programs of the ministry. 

The NNAD's top notch leader presented a comprehensive list of  key areas of mutual interest which,  he believe if implemented, would lead to the mainstreaming of Deaf youth into the ministry's policies and projects. 

According to him, "there is need for a stronger collaboration between NNAD and the Ministry of Youth Development to ensure the full inclusion of deaf people in youth development programs"

On the areas of empowerment, the President noted, "we need to go back to the drawing board to design and map out Deaf-friendly empowerment initiatives which may  include  educational support,  skills acquisition, and economic empowerment in order to transform our Deaf Youth to engage in productive economic activities and become self-reliant"

Hon. Haruna further emphasized the importance of team work to achieve a common national goal, he argues that "the  NNAD's participation in the upcoming National Youth Conference, with a focus on ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for Deaf delegates is quite sacrosanct" 

Hon. Haruna expressed immense gratitude to the Minister for the warm reception and openness to collaboration. "This meeting marks a significant milestone in our efforts to promote the inclusion of Deaf people in national development"

 "We look forward to working closely with the Ministry to ensure that our members have equal access to opportunities and resources" he concluded

The meeting, Ability News Network reports, was concluded on a positive note, with both parties agreeing to work together to promote the welfare and empowerment of Deaf people in Nigeria.

EDUCATION; Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe Announces Vacancy for Lecturer III, Assistant Lecture for Special Education.

  

by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe

22nd July,2025

In a groundbreaking effort to promote the inclusive education for all, and facilitate the growth  and development of special education as a distinct field of study in higher institutions of learning, the management of College of Education (Technical) Gombe has announced a special vacancy seeking to recruit qualified persons across the country to fill the vacant position of Lecturer III and Assistant Lecturer in the field of Special Education. 

The announcement, Ability News Network (ANN) understands, followed an official vacancy signed  by the college Registrar and shared in various fora of social media platforms.

According to the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Alh. (Dr.) Umar Muhammad Bello, fnica, “This recruitment is part of the college’s effort to enhance educational standards and maintain a well-structured learning environment.”

Qualified Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across different states in the country are highly expected to seize this rare opportunity and apply for the role of Lecturer III and Assistant Lecturer and other available positions as announced by the institution

 

Association Commends NTA Sokoto Chapter for Introducing Sign Language Interpretation Service.

 

by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe

18th July, 2025

The Nigerian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) Sokoto State Chapter has applauded the management, staff and Board of Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Sokoto State for their resilience and commitment to promoting Inclusivity and access to news  for the Deaf community of Sokoto State.

This was contained in a press release issued by the chairman of NNAD Sokoto State branch, Hon. Abdulsalam Abubakar Thursday.

In the statement Abubakar praised the  Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Sokoto for introducing sign language into it's news programme, stressing that the development would significantly enhence accessibility, integration and Inclusion of members of Deaf community into the wider society.

He stated, "the NTA Sokoto is commended for its groundbreaking initiative in introducing Sign Language Interpreting Service during its Network News Service"

 "This development marks a significant milestone in promoting inclusivity and accessibility for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community in Sokoto State"

Hon. Abdulsalam Abubakar, Chairman, Nigerian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) Sokoto State Chapter

"By doing so, NTA Sokoto aligns with the Federal Government's directive to TV stations across the federation to deploy sign language interpreters during major news presentations, thereby promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion"

The Sokoto State NNAD chairman further acknowledged the immediate appointment by NTA Sokoto management, of a special Desk Officer in charge of Sign Language service in the station. He said, "In recognition of this achievement and to ensure the success of this initiative, NTA Sokoto has appointed Mallam Dahiru Ayuba as the Desk Officer in charge of the Sign Language Interpretation Service"

He pointed out that,  "Ayuba, as the designated Desk Officer, Mallam Dahiru Ayuba will oversee the implementation and coordination of the sign language interpretation service, ensuring its continued success and impact"

He added, "we, at the NNAD Sokoto Branch, welcome this development and express our sincere appreciation to the NTA Sokoto for their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility"

"We look forward to fruitful collaboration and mutual support in promoting this initiative"

GOMSAD BRANCH ELECTS NEW EXECUTIVES

 

by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan Gombe.

14th July, 2025

Newly Elected Officials of Yamaltu Deba Association of the Deaf

The leadership of Yamaltu Deba Association of the Deaf (YDAD) which is  one of the eleven umbrella branches of Gombe State Association of The Deaf (GOMSAD) has as part of its continued commitment to consolidate it's leadership structure, eleected new executive officials that will steer the affairs of the Association for the next four years, following the expiration of the current Executive Committee members under the leadership of   Dinah Ahmed Lubo which is expected to lapse on August 14th, 2025

The election which took place at Central Primary School, Kwadon, Yamaltu Deba Local Government Areas witnessed the active participation of members of the Association from different wards and grassoot areas of Yamaltu Deba Local Government, who thronged the venue of the election to vote for their prepared candidates.

Prior to the commencement of the election, the GOMSAD Gombe Central Zonal Coordinator, Ishaq Abdullahl called for the peaceful conduction of the election, noting that his mandate as the Central Coordinator of GOMSAD is to maintain peace and harmony among whole members. 

Corroborating the earlier position of the coordinator, the GOMSAD Deputy Chairman Nuhu Mohammed Bello, commended the unusual doggedness and commited spirit displayed by the majority members of YDAD who stood firmly to see the election hold today as planned in spite of the many controversies that characterized the timing and conduction of the election.

He noted, " its my join you here today to witness a new chapter in the history of YDAD" 

"However, i want you all to note that  the better way of addressing any electoral tension is by listening to voices of major. Stressing that the GOMSAD leadership will not interfere with the choice made by the majority members of any branch association across the state"

 He added, "as long as your decision is based on the collective voices of majority, not individuals bidding, we will continue to stand on that line to achieve collective objectives for all"

Bello, also expressed optimism that the newly elected YDAD executives  will usher a new era for development of the Association, emphasizing that he gives his blessings due to the presence of several elders and leaders of Deaf community at the election venue which print him to 

He said, I was marveled  at the level  of cooperation I witnessed here.  Had it not been because of  the presence of these elders I will advice the cancellation of the election" 

 "My advice for the new excos is to work together with elders and also to coorporate among themselves. You should know that development can only be possible when there is collectiveness,  cooperation and unity among all members" he added

Earlier, in his brief speech, the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of Yamaltu Deba Association of the Deaf (YDAD), Mal Ibrahim Abdullahi Lubo stressed the urgent need for collaborated efforts to foster unity among members of the Association after the election. 

Lubo said "I tried to resist and  disagree with the plan to hold the election today, but after  many members had advised me and begged me to give peace a chance, i decide to change my mind and support the majority views" 

"I  will give strong advices to the newly elected officials after their inauguration" He said

The election, Ability News Network reports enables the election of 13 different positions - three of which were hotly contested and the remaining eleven positions won unopposed. 

Only four contestants competed for the coveted positions of deputy chairman and that of the Secretary General respectively,  which saw  Faisal Umar  emerged victorious with 15 votes to claim the deputy chairmanship slot by defeating his opponent Kabiru Ibrahim who scored 11 votes out of the 27 votes cast. In the Secretary category,  Hamza Umar scored 18 votes to edge out his closest rival Magaji Mohammad who polled 9 votes to emerge runners up.

The other eleven positions were all won unopposed, with Ahmed Dahiru Abare winning the chairmanship unopposed, followed by  Mohammed Sani Asamu as Financial Secretary, Yahaya Mohammed as Public Relations Officer (PRO) Abba Mohammed as Youth Leader. 

Others are: Maryam Nasiru as Women Leader, Khadija Said as Treasurer, Yusuf Mohammed as Asstant Secretary General. 

Meanwhile, the  positions of chief whip, Auditor and Organizing Secretary were left vacant unoccupied as no contestant indicated interest in the three vacant positions. A motion was raised to fill the three vacant positions and immediately the electoral Committee Yayaji after deliberation announced Kabiru Ibrahim and Magaji Mohammed (who contested  the Deputy chairman and Secretary positions respectively but lost to their opponents) as organizing Secretary and  Chief whip, while Mohammed Lawan Mujtaba  from Dadin kowa village emerged  as the new  Auditor of YDAD. 

Diginitaries that graced the election include Mal. Shehu Haruna, the Chief of the Deaf, Kwadon, Malam Buba kwadon, Wazirin Kuramen kwadon, Hon. Nura Bashir, former Secretary General of GOMSAD, who was invited to serve as election observer,  Hon. Abbadiyel Haruna, the immediate outgoing deputy chairman of YDAD,  Mal. Buba Mohammed, an  Observer representing Yamaltu Deba elders,  Ibrahim Abdullahi Lubo, Secretary, BoTs and  Coordinator Gombe Central Zone, Ishaq Abdullahl Lubo. 

 After the election, useful advices to the newly elected officials were offered by several leaders of Deaf Community who witnessed the peaceful election. 

Abbadiyel Haruna, the immediate past deputy chairman of YDAD thanked God for the opportunity to conduct the election peacefully, he admonished the new leaders to embrace diversity and accommodate everyone in the administration.

The Gombe Central Zonal Coordinator of Gombe State Association of the Deaf, Ishaq Abdullahi, appreciated everyone who come thronged the election venue from far and near to witness this peaceful election. He appealed the newly elected officials to be more vigilant and work in harmony towards the actualization of the objective of the Association. 

An elder in the Deaf coomunity of Deba LGA identified as Mal. Asamu Umar noted that initially he and other elders we're not comfortable with the idea of holding the election today, but the dedication, unusual maturity and persistent agitation to proceed with the election shown by the majority of members compelled him and other elders to rescind their early postion  and bless the election. He admonished the new excos not to be arrogant and boastful in discharging their official functions