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.