Victorious Deaf Super Eagles Lifts 7th West Africa Deaf Football Championship Trophy

 

 

by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe

Sat 30 Aug 2025.

The West Africa Deaf Football Championship has been rounded-off today with the Final match of the contest played between the defending champion of the regional competition, Nigeria Deaf Super Eagles and the Gambian National Deaf Football Team inside the main bowl of the National Stadium Abuja.

The two teams produced an entertaining display of pure football class with each team battling for the coveted silver wire.

Eagles' striker Salaudeen kept his nerve so calm to convert an important early chance at his feat and give Coach Benjoh's side a priceless lead against the Gambians side after just 20 minutes from the start.

 It took the  scorpions merely ten minutes to score the equalizer and set the game at 1-1 which lasted through the first half -  thanks to a brilliant effort from their front row which proved more lethal for the Eagles defence to contend. 

Striker Salaudeen almost set the Deaf Eagles back  on track when he saw  his well-kicked shot went slightly over the bar after the break. 

In the second half, the Gambians become more solid in front  of the Deaf Eagles half, they come close to scoring the double  but the referee ruled it offside. 

Minutes later striker Salaudeen went rampant again, almost forcing a powerful  aerial header he took from the corner into the back of the net but the ball missed the target. 

Nigerian telismanic middlefielder Korede nearly finding the bottom corner in the 70s minutes after  his killer header went narrowly over the bar, adding more pressure to the Gambian back four to tie their belts. 

In the 78 minutes, Eagles' goal machine Ikechukwu Emeka broke loose inside the Gambian box but saw his brilliant touch  missing the  goal area, denying himself the chance to add a fifth goal to his tally.

Again striker Salaudeen saw his fantastic effort at goal perfectly saved by a Gambian defender after rounding-off the Gambian goalkeeper inside the box. A great effort from the Eagles starlet Jonah Charles almost drove him deeply into the Gambian  box but was cut down by Gambian defender, resulting in the award of freekick to Nigeria by the referee. 

But the Gambians were too  defiant as they once again come close to delivering a dedly damage to Eagles at the injury-times but were halted by the duo of Nigerian defender Victor Uzoma and goalkeeper Samson Damilola who combined force to denied the Gambian striker a chance to score what will seemingly prove disasterous goal against the Eagles.

The game scores still remained at level (1-1) after the regular 90 minutes and the refree blew the final wistle to take the two teams  into the penalty shout out. 

The Deaf Eagles showed a magnificent skills in the penalty shouting scoring four goals out of possible five while the  Scorpions managed to convert just two goals out of five which set the shouting at 4-2 after a 1-1 90 minutes scores making the final score at 5-3 in favour of the defending champion (Nigeria Deaf Super Eagles). 

The Gambians finished the tournament as runners up with Niger Republic winning the third place slot after beaten Liberia 2-0 on Friday. 

With this victory, the Deaf Super Eagles has now won the trophy for a record 7th times in their history, making them the most successful side to triumph in the history of the competition. 

 

Deaf Eagles Beats Niger Republic 2-0 To Clinch the WAFC Final Ticket

  

by Ability News Network

27th August, 2025

The Nigeria Deaf Super Eagles has extended their outstanding form Wednesday afternoon as they  defeated  their closest West African neighbours, Niger Republic Deaf Football Team 2-0 to reach the final of the ongoing 13th West Africa Football tournament.  

The game started on a high spirit and strong footings with both sides pushing harder for glory - as they seek to reach the final stage of the competition in full gears.

The deadlock comes in the 58 minutes of the game  when Eagles super star Ikechukwu Emeka Benjamin met a brilliant assist from Eagles striker Salaudeen Saleh to  score a great goal and give the Deaf Eagles  a resounding 1-0 lead. 

The Deaf Eagles doubled their lead just a minute later, with Eagles' star player Ikechukwu Emeka Benjamin on the scoring sheet again, his fantastic second goal took his tally to four goals in  the tournament and established himself as the sole contender for the golden boot, with Eagles striker Salaudeen Saleh coming closer with two goals to his credit. 

Benjamin's goals was a great finish, and it put the Nigerian side in a comfortable relaxation and dragged the 'Deaf Dandas' under intense  pressure.  Emeka's brace was a turning point in the game, and Eagles' fans were ecstatic to see him registering a double in his name twice in the tournament.

At 2-0 down, the  'Deaf Dandas' doesn't seem to be given up, as they fired their arsenal at the heart of the Eagles defense several times after the first half - but weren't able to break the mountain wall in front of them ercted by the Coach Benjoh's back four.

It was a thrilling match, with both teams creating several goal scoring chances and showing great skills.

It was Emeka with his well-kicked brace who stole the show and  made an incredible impact at the MKO Abiola National Stadium Abuja, he was the Eagles hero in a thrilling 2-0 win over the 'Deaf Dandas' at  the same Stadium on Wednesday's  afternoon. 

To the fans, the  second half was an amazing finish to remember, a remarkable game to be proud of - which saw the Deaf Eagles scoring two goals that sealed  the match and look very comfortable and dangerous in the game.

The victory has sent the Deaf Super Eagles through to the final match of the competition waiting to know who they will face in the final after the now postponed second leg semi final clash between Liberia and Gambia, which is  expected to kick off at a new date to be announced by tournament organizers. 

How Societal Discrmination is Sabotaging Access to Employment, Workplace Inclusivity, Services of Rights and Protection for PWDs - Ability News Network

 Published on 25th August 2025 by Ability News Network

For persons with disabilities (PWDs), enjoyment of unhindered access to freedom of gainful employment, inclusion in decisive decision making process in workplace, home, school, market etc, unhindered utilization of the United Nations' backed Universal Fundamental Human Rights to freely make informed choices and decisions about lifetime goals, career- based preferences, unlimited and unhindered inclusion in the society's fibre and so on and so forth,  has all been thwarted, devastated, ruined and discredited by the social ill of the society - "discrimination" orchestrated by some inhuman elements in the wider society against the innocent souls of PWDs in Nigeria and most parts of African continent.

This injurious and inhuman concerworm created by the wicked ones in the society, has rendered millions of PWDs roughly jobless, in spite of obtaining the legally required employable qualifications for employment placement, hopeless and hapless, in spite of having enough fruitful causes to place their hope on, defenseless and economically disadvantaged, even though they are capable of enmassing enough economic wherewithdals provided opportunity was given to them much like anyone in the society - and are capable of rising a supportive family and manpower to depend on for Sustainable individual and collective growth.

Ironically, this societal ill (discrimination) at times tends to be easily spread unabeted even within the family unit, through a trusted friends, coursemates, roommates or associates, not to talk of those who enmass the instrument of power-the worst hitters in the evil art of spreading the deadly trait.  

To face the issue squarely, let's delve deeper into the bitter and horrible experiences some members of PWDs community in Nigeria who are subjected to the various forms of Societal humiliation, maltreatment and rejection caused by the compounding practices of  discrimination against them, just for no reason other than merely having physical disability status. These are people whom the society at large ought to protect and show love and admiration to them rather than unjustified hetred and oppressive rejection.

Daniel Sunday, an Economics and Special Education graduate faces the harshest treatment while aspiring to work in a bank after graduation. He attended various job interviews but was denied access for interview due to inability of the employers to make room for the provision of sign language interpretation service during the interview. 

"This is a deliberate attempt to disqualify me as a Deaf applicant" Daniel lamented growly.

"They looked only at my disability rather than my qualifications" he added

Another hearing impaired lady Miss Tosin Odumosu,  a Business Education graduate at the preatigious Federal College of Education (Special) Oyo, faced similar experience when her interviewers realise she was a Deaf - they quickly shift their attention to another applicant leaving her alone unattended to.

" Their chief concern waa how will I hope with the job as a Deaf" she said.

For Vincent Okoye, a history graduate of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, his skin colour was the subject of discrimination that cost him a chance to get a job he so deeply admired and qualified

His trivail starts when he completed his 13-month internship at the British Council and sought an employment with a private company and worked hard to pass the company's online interview and also passed the written assessments which qualified him to the physical interview. 

To Mr. Okaye's shock, his interviewers upon seeing his passport indicating albinism stopped any form of communication with him and everything ends from there, this cost him the opportunity of securing gainful employment as all his complaints and pleas fall in Deaf ears. 

Abdullahi Usman Kazaure, a visually impaired graduate of political science from Federal University Kashere who applied to work in an undisclosed federal ministry in Abuja revealed how his name was controversially removed from the list of those who are shortlisted for interview after earlier being invited for the same interview in Abuja.

"I wrote so many applications and in one of those applications I was lucky to be shortlisted, but some people changed my name with another person because they found out I was blind" he recalled

Conclusively, PWDs are grappled with ever growing scarce opportunities in the labour market, they are forced to inadvertently faces compounding, often distressing societal biases and barriers they couldn't contend with, followed by inaccessible justice and legal systems, a legal system that's entirely wrapped in Corruption and nepotism. 

Worst still many Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria hails from very  low-income backgrounds that is revaged in abject poverty and this breads discrimination more easily. 

It's therefore highly imperative for the National Commission of Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) to intensify their oversight functions, campaigns against discrimination, prosecute offenders and expand their advocacies to the wider audiences both at the federal and state levels. This, we believe could help significantly in addressing barriers PWDs are inadvertently subjected to. Eliminate the ever growing cases of discriminatory hiring practices PWDs are persistently witnessing in the employment market and result in the maximizing opportunities for PWDs in Nigeria to gainful employment, institutional protection and safeguarding human rights.

Deaf Eagles Lands in Semi Final After Edging Gambia in a 5 Goals Thriller

 

by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe

24th August, 2025

The Nigeria Deaf Super Eagle has produced yet another thriumpant display of pure football class on Saturday as they edge out a defiant Gambian national Deaf football team 3-2 to register their presence in the next stage of the 13th edition of the West Africa Deaf Football Tournament, 2025 which Nigeria is currently hosting in Abuja

The Coach Benjoh's side come from behind to shock the Gambian Scorpions at the MKO Abiola National Stadium with a 3-2 win on August 23, 2025. The Gambians opened the scoring in the 35th minute after a dismissal performance from the Eagles defence which gave the Gambians ample opportunity to see the back of the net just before halftime and set the game at 0-1.  

The five times African champions created several opportunities before the half time, but Gambians’ defiant defense stood firmly strong up front. The Eagles eventually got an equalizer thanks to Ikechukwu Emeka Benjamin 's fantastic rebound that set the game at level (1-1)

In the second half, Deaf Eagles  dominated possession - creating more problems to the Gambians - with scoring chance dangled at the feat of  Eagles right winger Isah Zubairu who saw his brilliant effort went just wide above the goalpost, but more push from the reigning  West African champions eventually leads to the second goal scored by Jonah Charles Junior.

Substitutions from both sides and set-pieces kept the match more tense, with both teams battling hell-bent for glory. Yet fortune once again smiled at the host team when star player Ikechukwu Emeka Benjamin swept home the third goal of the game for the Deaf Eagles, joining his fellow compatriot striker Salaudeen Salah as the only two players to score brace in the tournament,  the goal proved just sufficient for the Deaf Eagles to secure the vital three points at home soil and see them through to the semi final bath.

In the injury times, the scorpions struggled to convert chances they created.Though their efforts proved useful minutes away from the the 90 minutes when the visitors almost get back into the game with a brilliant second half goal that put the score chart at 3-2 completing a resounding 5 goals thriller, but Eagles’s tactical adjustments proved decisive enough to deny them the equalizer they sorely needed to kill the game. 

Elsewhere, the Eagles' neighbouring Nation - Niger Republic Deaf team completed a gripping performance as they see off Togo national Deaf team with a 2-1 resounding victory inside the main bowl of MKO Abiola National Stadium Abuja, Nigeria.

Hosting of West Africa Deaf Football Tournament in Nigeria, Testament to NNAD's Commitment to Straightening Regional Cooperation --Hon. Haruna Muhammad Tsafe

 By Ability News Network, 22nd August, 2025

The National President of Nigerian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD), Hon. Haruna Mohammed has praised the doggedness and committed spirit exhibited by the leadership of Nigeria Deaf Sports Federation (NDSF), Nigeria Deaf Football Association (NDFA), National Sports Commission (NSC) under the impressive leadership of Hon. Shehu Dikko as well as  the entire elders of Deaf Community and members of National Executive Committee of NNAD, National headquarters, Abuja which leads to the successful hosting of the ongoing 13th edition of the "West Africa Deaf Football Tournament" in FCT, Abuja, Nigeria. 

The NNAD's top leader made the commendation while joining other Deaf Sports leaders in receiving the visiting African athletes  during the formal opening football match of the regional competition between Nigeria Deaf Eagles and the Elephants of Ivory Coast Thursday at the main bowl of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. 

He said, "today I have the honor of attending the official opening of 13th West Africa Deaf Football Tournament at MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja where our boys, the Deaf Eagle played against Ivory Coast National Team that ended with 3-0 in favor of Nigeria"

"This is a testament of our commitment in strengthening regional integration and cooperation for a better and stronger African continent"

He added, "as the tournament was declared open on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, my administration will ensure a more collaborative partnership with the Nigeria Deaf Sports Federation and relevant organizations in strengthening grassroots sports and ensuring more sponsorship opportunities for athletes from both government and private sector"

It's worth noting that the current NNAD's leadership under Hon. Tsafe's guidance is leaving no stone unturned to ensure maximum unity and cooperation among the entire Deaf Community in Nigeria is maintained. The coming together and workable partnership entered into by NNAD, NDSF and NDFA is evident to NNAD's president resolve to championing Inclusive and accommodative  leadership for all, Ability News Network understands.

Association Clamps Down on Deaf Street Beggers, Says Begging Inimical to the Good Image of Deaf Persons

 

by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe

Published on 22nd August, 2025

The Ebonyi State Association of the Deaf (EBSAD) has waged a total war on Deafstreet beggers and human traffickers who flooded the Ebonyi State from different states in the country, making the state a hub for their inhuman practices. 

To begin the total clamp down, the EBSAD executives lead by the State Chairman Ebonyi Madubuchi Anselem had recently paid a working official advocacy visit to the office of the Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Abakaliki, Ebonyi State on August 19th, 2025.

The visit, according to the official statement released by EBSAD is informed by the association commitment to creating positive partnership with relevant government agencies to curb street begging menace in Ebonyi State.

The statement noted,  "the purpose of the visit was to explore potential partnership opportunities with NAPTIP to combat human trafficking among our members. We were warmly welcomed and engaged in a productive discussion on strategies to prevent human trafficking among our deaf members and address those involved in such activities"

"We look forward to welcoming the NAPTIP team to our monthly general meeting on the last Sunday of this month, where they will educate our female members about human trafficking, its risks, and prevention strategies. This collaboration will further strengthen our efforts to protect and empower our members" the statement added.

"Operation Zero Tolerance for Deaf Street Beggers in Ebonyi State" in Action: 

In order to match words with action, the Ebonyi State Association of the Deaf (EBSAD), as an integrity-driven and law-abiding organization, is committed to eradicating street begging in Ebonyi State. The Association recently stagged a total clamp down on Deaf Street beggers through a physical confrontations with one of the Deaf beggars in an effort to free Ebonyi State of their evil atrocities.

"Recently we apprehended a Deaf lady from Anambra State, who claimed to be married to an Abia State resident, for engaging in street begging at parks and filling stations"

 "This behavior is shameful and tarnishes the image of the deaf community in Ebonyi State" EBSAD stated on it's social media handle recently.

Deafness is Not A Ticket for Begging;

The Association aserted strongly that God the Almighty did not created Deafness as precipe for begging. 

The Assocition stated, "We emphasize that Deafness is not an excuse for begging. Instead, we encourage our members to engage in vocational training, become independent apprentices, start their own businesses, or seek employment"

 "Street begging is unacceptable and damages the reputation of the Deaf community in Ebonyi State and the entire South-East zone" lamented the Association

Removing the Roadblock Through stiffer Ultimatum:

The dedicated EBSAD Excos didn't hesitate to make their position known to Deaf beggers wherever they find them - as they instantly issued an official ultimatum to the culprits to pack their belongings and leave Ebonyi State peacefully as they found it. 

"We have given the lady an ultimatum: she must pack her belongings and leave Ebonyi State by the 31st of this month or face disciplinary action"

"We also caution against fake organizations and individuals who exploit the name of Deaf-related organizations for begging purposes, as this harms the good image of the Deaf community" The EBSAD statement concluded.

JUST IN : NIGERIA DEAF SUPER EAGLES THRASHES IVORY COAST DEAF ELEPHANTS 3-0 IN A THRILLING ENCOUNTER

 

by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe August 21st, 2025

It was a fantastic performance for the Nigerian men Senior National football team ‘Nigeria Deaf Super Eagles’ as they pour out their best performance against the visiting Ivorian National  team 'Deaf Elephants of Ivory Coast' by edging past the visitors 3-0 in an entertaining opening encounter for the 13th West African Deaf Football Championships 2025 hosted by Nigeria in front of an ecstatic crowd inside the bowl of the National Stadium, FCT, Abuja.

Though the Elephants who proved to be defient before  the break as they withstands all preasures  to deny the Deaf Eagles- who appears to be more lethal of the two sides, a chance to see the back of the net at the initial stage of the game, the  home side dominated possession  for most of the first half, striking terror in the hearts of the Ivorian Elephants who looked fazy  at the beginning of the game. 

It took the host merely one minute after the first half to break the heavy wall of defense erected by the visitor’s back four, thank to the fine display of talents  by Isah Zubairu who set up a fine assist to Eagles' striker Saludeen Saleh, who skillfully fired home a left-legged shoot from outside the Elephants’s eighteen yard straight into the net to set the scoreline at one to nil.

At the 56  minutes afterward, another brilliant effort the Eagles’ talismanic player Salaudeen after being assisted by Korede Salami,  again took his chance perfectly well  to double the lead for the host as he saw his brilliant curly effort went to hit the line of the goalpost, it was a goal that ignited more hope to the team, the fans and the entire team crew. 

As if that was not enough, just few minutes to the hour mark in the injury times, to the host’s delight, another fine efforts by middlefielder Korede Salami who looked deadly and more dangerous in the middle field   produced the third goal for the  Nigerian national team and sealed the match at 3-0 in the injury time.

After the resumption for second half, the coach Kamiludeen Banjoh,  who  perfectly read the game well made few key changes when he realizes the Eagles team had  a mountain to climb if they are to defeat  their opponent, he took off the injured Amusa Sadiq who wore number 4 jersey and replaced him with number 5 Chinonye.  similarly the  Adi Mohammed also made room for Jonah Charles to contribute to the team fine show. These crucial changes is just what the team needed at this critical moment  and it yield the desired results as it helped the team to shaping up and  showcase a magnificent display in the second half leading to the rain of goals.

13th West Africa Deaf Football Championship : Nigeria Deaf Eagles Takes on the Deaf Elephants of Ivory Coast in a Clash of the Titans Encounter Today

Published on 21st August, 2025, By Ability News Network

All eyes are glued to  the commencement of the 13th West Africa Deaf Football Tournament (WADFT) which expected to officially kick- off today at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Package B, Abuja, with the opening match between the West African Giants Nigeria and Ivory Coast to be played out by 4:00pm (Nigerian time).

The Deaf Super Eagles team (aka Deaf Eagles) is expected to shine in the hot-contested encounter with the Ivorian National Deaf Team (the Deaf Elephants), building on it's earlier success in the tournament.

The reigning defending champions of the West African Deaf Football Championships won the previous edition of the competition at home turf following a resounding 5-0 victory recorded against the Niger Republic side in the final match in Lagos.  

The tournament which features athletes from eight African countries, including Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, the Gambia, Liberia, Mali, Niger Republic, and hosts Nigeria is billed to start from August 18th and end on 30th August, 2025 with the opening match scheduled for today by 4;00pm (Nigerian local time) in the capital city of Abuja. 

Reports, Ability News Network gathered have it that  the competitions which is a part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), will also serve as qualifiers for major international events, such as the African Deaf Football Tournament, the African Deaf Athletics Championship, and the prestigious Deaflympics Games, the West Africa Deaf Sports Union (WADSU), Mr. Amuda Yusu Ibrahim, was reported to have said.

 The Coach Chief Kamiludeen Banjoh tortured side which boosted of a handful of professional stars like the telismanic strikers Salaudeen Sale and Korede Salami, plus many other key stars  is expected to exert an enormous dominance and is tipped by many sports lovers to defend the trophy it won last year in home turf.

A win for the Deaf Eagles today is very crucial for the defending champion today. The  fierce encounter today with the Ivorian Elephants proved to be a great test for the Coach Benjoh and his backroom staff to show up their prowess in managing the best team in the continent.

INCLUSIVE JUSTICE: ICPC, DCRM Signs MoU, Strengthen Partnership to Fight Corruption Among OPDs, PWDs - Focused NGOs, Others

by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe

I8th August, 2025

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has pledged stronger partnerahip and collaboration with Nigeria’s disability community to fight corruption, dismantle discrimination, and promote equal opportunities for PWDs in Nigeria.

This was disclosed during a strategic meeting between the Pioneers Ad-Hoc Consortium of the Disability Civil Rights Movement (DCRM) and ICPC's representatives in Abuja recently.

Presenting the DCRM's collaborative proposal to the ICPC's representatives, Lady Omotunde Ellen Thompson, Co-Founder and the BoT Chairperson of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), highlighted key challenges faced by the disability community which she claimed caused by pervasive corruption, systemic neglect, and structural barriers. 

She commended ICPC for its professionalism, empathy in pursuing justice, and physical support during court proceedings.

Her words;  “We value ICPC’s track record in addressing high-profile cases and the compassion it has shown. But more must be done to ensure dignity, protection, and fairness for persons with disabilities".

The JONAPWD BoT Chairperson further made a bold request to the Nigerian authorities  to consider creating a "Department of Veteran Affairs" in Nigeria to address the welfare of law enforcement officers and persons with disabilities, including timely salary payments, healthcare access, and adequate protection to reduce insecurity and social unrest.

She further requested for the  prompt appointment of a dedicated  desk officer for disability matters in the ICPC, specialized training programs, audits of donor funds for disability-focused projects, as well as the inclusive and accessible policymaking dialogues. 

Earlier in his swift response, the ICPC's Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, who was ably represented by the ICPC's Secretary Mr. Clifford Oparaodu, emphasized the Commission’s inclusive recruitment policy and commitment to act swiftly on all verifiable petitions, regardless of the petitioner’s background.

Mr. Oparaodu stated, “ICPC does not discriminate in its recruitment or operations. We treat every verifiable petition on its merit, irrespective of the petitioner’s background or vulnerability,” 

While welcoming the proposals from the consortium, Mr. Oparaodu confirmed the Commission’s readiness to explore joint initiatives, including tackling corruption in disability-focused institutions, strengthening whistleblower engagement, and improving accessibility.

''We are excited about the possibilities of this partnership and are determined to make sure it delivers real results for the disability community“ he said.

A key takeaway from the partnership is the presentation of a formal petition and the signing of  Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize collaboration with ICPC and the DCRM, which is expected to yield a desired results in the coming days, Ability News Network can reports.

The engagement underscores the  renewed commitment of the two groups to fostering Inclusive justice for all irrespective of status, physical ability or background. The meeting also highlight the total commitment from the ICPC to act on any verifiable petition within its mandate.

Intertional Youth Day 2025: TSAD Youth Leader Convene First Monthly Webinar Series 1.0, Predicts Better Future for Taraba Deaf Youth

 

By Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe

16th August, 2025

 As part of his effort to commemorate the 2025 Intertional Youth Day, Abubakar Abdulhamid, the Taraba State Association of the Deaf (TSAD) Youth Leader has convenned an online Webinar to senticize the entire teaming Deaf youth population of Taraba State on how to face lingering life challenges, create changes in their immediate environment and connect to Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs) to achieve a better future for themselves and their loved ones.

The online Webinar, Wich is the first of it's kind in the history of TSAD, provided the basis for extensive discussions, experience sharing and mentorship for the younger generation to realise their untapped potentials and lead change for a better future ahead.

Delivering a comprehensive lecturer on the theme: "From Barriers to Bridges: Deaf Youth Leading Change in Our Communities" Ja'afaru Sadiq Adamu, a young, energetic and  active member of TSAD who served as a guest speaker during the webinar highlighted several key factors the Deaf youth can utilize in order to turn life’s challenges into opportunities, build skills, and lead in shaping the future they  desired in their lives.  

TSAD Youth Leader, Abubakar Abdulhamid

He stated, "This year’s theme is "Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond". This means the world is looking at what we (Youths) in our own communities, can do to solve problems and create change without waiting for others"

"As Deaf Youths we often have common barriers which are Communication barriers, which limited access to education, and lack of opportunities for us" Adamu noted

He described all the persistent life challenges and barriers faced by the Deaf youth as surmountable, urging the younger generation to see such challenges not as a curse but as a step forward for achieving greatness. 

His words, "We should not see these challenges as something to hold us back but we should see them as stepping stones. We can overcome them by advocating for our rights, supporting each other, and using creativity to find solutions"

Guest Speaker, Ja'afaru Sadiq Adamu, one of the promising active members of TSAD

A major takeaways from the webinar Ability News Network reports,  include: instilling confidence on the Deaf youth to believe in themselves, their natural capabilities and talents, develop their hidden God-given potentials, focus on their personal growth  as a panacea for  leading changes in their immediate communities, mentoring the younger ones, volunteering in any community service, managing and grooming good health and eating habits, surrounding one'self with positive people and mentors who can guide one's  journey and also continue learning new skills and knowledge, utilizing the social media platforms to  advocate for the the achievement of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals such as access to quality education for the Deaf youth, health, legal aid, employment opportunities and other essential related services, cultivating reading habits, among others. 

 

INTERVIEW: I am Passionate About Creating Innclusive Opportunities for Deaf Women and Girls in South East Zone -- Mrs Maria Chidimma Alufo-Ekpo

 

by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe

13th August, 2025

Mrs Maria Chidimma Alufo-Ekpo, the current South East Deaf Women Association (SEDWA) Zonal Women Leader, in  this interview with ABILITY NEWS NETWORK (ANN) CEO, YUSUF MOHAMMED LAWAN, shares groundbreaking insights about the just concluded first-ever South East Deaf Women Confrence, a four day in-house get together engagement that brings together who is who in the South East women angle,  she spoke on how she is utilizing her office to leveraging on every exciting opportunity at her disposal to navigate the increasing demands for empowering Deaf women, promoting their rights in the society, training and retraining Deaf women and youth for leadership role and how the conference outcome is expected to  make a revolutionising impact on the development of Deaf women and girls in the zone. Except! 

ANN: What inspired the initiation of South East Deaf Women Confrence and what drives the passion for this work?

Mrs. Alufo-Ekpo: The conference was initiated to empower deaf women, promote their rights, and provide a platform for them to share their experiences and challenges. My passion stems from a desire to create inclusive opportunities for Deaf women and girls, believing they can achieve anything given the opportunity.

ANN; How do you define the Conference or what precisely is the motives, goals priorities  the conference aims to achieve?

Mrs. Alufo-Ekpo: The conference aims to promote leadership, advocacy, employment and empowerment of deaf women while raising awareness about their rights and challenges and providing solutions.

Abambra State Delegates

Abia State Delegates

ANN; Would you say you have actually achieve the stated objectives of the conference?

Mrs. Alufo-Ekpo: We've made significant progress in achieving our objectives, but there's still work to be done. The South East Deaf Women conference has provided a valuable platform for deaf women to connect, share, learn, and relearn.

Imo State Delegates participating at the conference

ANN;  As a leader in the disability community, what do you believe are the most pressing issues facing Deaf women and girls today, and how is your organization addressing them?

Mrs. Alufo-Ekpo: Deaf women and girls face challenges like limited access to education, healthcare, inadequate sign language interpretation service and economic opportunities challenge. Our organization addresses these issues through several advocacy to different government offices and agencies, training, and support programs.

ANN:  What strategies have been most effective that lead to the successful conduction of the conference, or was there any strategy deployed to make the conference better but you faced challenge on it?

Mrs. Alufo-Ekpo: Effective strategies included partnerships with key stakeholders, engaging experienced speakers, and providing opportunities for networking and skill-building. We faced challenges in securing funding but are working to overcome these.

Enugu State Delegates displaying great skills in cultural dance during the conference

ANN: Any coalitions and partnerships with other organizations to amplify your impact, who where the partners?

Mrs. Alufo-Ekpo: We partnered and collaborated with various organizations and stakeholders to amplify our impact and provide valuable resources and expertise, greatly contributing to the conference's success.

ANN;  Today's world is focusing on youths and women empowerment.  How does the South East Deaf Women  and girls are empowered, particularly those from marginalized communities?

 Mr. Alufo - Ekpo :We empower Deaf women and girls through training, mentorship, and advocacy programs focusing on leadership, entrepreneurship, and self-advocacy.

Anambra State Delegates

ANN: Apart from the South East Deaf Women  Conference, What other programs or initiatives where you able to organize/ implement to promote women's leadership and empowerment in South East zone?

Mrs. Alufo-Ekpo: Apart from the South East Deaf Women conference, we've organized several programs, including: Girl Child Day with deaf girls students across the five states in the South East with education materials and pads the girls, training on Gender-Based Violence against Deaf Women and Girls,I InternationalWomen's Day ceremony in collaboration with another organization, which included health talks on Sexual Reproductive Health Rights and health testingn, engaging participants in decision-making processes alongside other stakeholders, signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with relevant parties to further our goals,  collaborationwith other organizations to advance the rights and empowerment of deaf women and girls and among many others

Ebonyi State Delegates being active during the conference

Cross section of entire five states delegation in action

Harmonized Abia state delegates

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY: Group Celebrate the Resilience Creativity of PWDs Youths, Urge for More Inclusion in the Wider Society

 

 by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe

12th August, 2025

A group under the aegies of 'Adamawa PWDs and Vulnerable Support Initiative' has urged members of the society to prioritize promoting  inclusion of youths with disabilities in all aspects of societal life.

The union made the admonishment through an official statement to commemorate the 2025 International Youth Day on Tuesday.

 The statement reads partly: "today, we celebrate the energy, resilience, and creativity of youth with special abilities — breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and shaping a world where inclusion is not just a goal, but a reality"

"We believe that every voice matters, every dream is valid, and every young person — regardless of ability — has the power to create lasting change" the statement noted

While calling for urgent action by every individual in the wider society to ensure a full scale inclusion of youths with disabilities in all sphares of the social ladder, the group noted, "this International Youth Day, let’s commit to working together across generations to build communities where young people with disabilities are leaders, innovators, and equal partners in driving progress"

"Your turn: If you could change one thing in your community to make it more inclusive for youth with special abilities, what could that be"

The theme for this years' International Youth Day (IYD) 2025 is "Local Youth Action for the SDGs and Beyond" which emphasizes the crucial role youth people play in translating global ambitions into community-driven realities, emphasizing their contributions to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Katsina SA Pay Homage to Emir of Daura, Commends the Monarch's Unwavering Support to Gov. Dikko Radda's Inclusive governance

 

by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe

12th August, 2025

In his continual effort towards engendering more support to Governor Dikko Radda's administration and championing inclusion for  persons with disabilities (PWDs) in all aspects of the society -including the traditional institution in Katsina State, the Special Assistant on Disablity Matters to Katsina State  Gov. Hon. Jibril Umar Bindawa has recently paid a "special thank you homage" to His Royal Highness Alhajj Faruk Umar Faruk, Emir of Daura in his palace.

The visit, Ability News Network (ANN) understands was aimed at expressing gratitude to the Emir for his outstanding leadership and his unwavering support for the administration of Governor Umar Dikko Radda.

Speaking at the instance of the top monarch Hon. Bindawa acknowledged the Emir's significant contributions towards fostering inclusive governance in Katsina State.

"His Excellency  Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, CON has indeed shown immense commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities (PWDs) are fully recognized and included in the developmental agenda of the state" he said.

Welcoming the delegation, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk, expressed his appreciation for the visit and praised the efforts of the Katsina State Government under Governor Umar Dikko Radda. The Emir emphasized his recognition of the vital role PWDs play in the state’s development and assured his continuous support in ensuring their inclusion in traditional and governmental activities. 

The top ranking monarch  further lauded Governor Radda for being a disability-friendly leader and for prioritizing the welfare and empowerment of PWDs in Katsina State.

“I am fully aware of Governor Umar Dikko Radda’s dedication to promoting inclusion and empowering people with disabilities"

"His administration has set a benchmark for inclusive governance, and I am committed to supporting these efforts to ensure no one is left behind.” The Emir remarked.

Earlier, the delegation from the Office of the Special Assistant on Disabled Matters, which included leaders of disability groups from the Daura Zone and across Katsina State, reiterated their appreciation for the Governor’s disability-friendly policies.

A major highlight of the visit include the  presenation an outstanding award of recognition to His Royal Highness in appreciation of his unwavering support for people with disabilities, Which the Emir expressed his gratitude for the honor and pledged to continue fostering unity and inclusion in Daura and beyond.

Also the visit, ANN reports, underscores the total commitment of the Katsina State Government and the traditional leadership of Daura to creating an inclusive society where every individual, regardless of ability, is empowered and given the opportunity to contribute to the state’s growth and progressive.

Disability Commission, Go-Health Partners to Promote Inclusive Healthcare Package for PWDs in GombeState

by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe

11th August,2025

As part of their collective efforts to promote inclusive healthcare package for Persons with disabilities in Gombe State, the Gombe State Commission for Persons with Disabilities and Gombe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (GoHealth) has enters into working partnership to booast healthcare access to persons with disabilities in the eleven Local Government Areas of the State. 

The partnership, Ability News Network reports, followed a startegic meeting held by the two institutions  Friday which focuses on deliberating and negotiating the terms of the partnership which is expected to yield positive and long lasting outcome.

Speaking before the Go-Health management, the Executive Chairman of Commission Dr. Ishiaku Adamu commended the Go- Health management for their tremendous support to persons with disabilities in Gombe State, acknowledging that "through the GoHealth Equity Programme, thousands of PWDs across the State were equipped and provided with free healthcare services" 

His words, “For us in the Commission, healthcare is one of the key deliverables of our mandate, as clearly stated in the Gombe State Disability Law signed by His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, in December 2024,”

The Gombe State Commission for Persons with Disabilities top-notch leader further emphasized the gunuine role of agency towards fostering Healthcare inclusion to persons with disabilities in Gombe State by stating that the “GoHealth has been a supportive partner right from when we were just an association"

"And this visit", he added "is to further identify key areas of collaboration.”

Responding, the Go-Health's Executive Secretary Dr. Abubakar Musa, welcomed the delegation and congratulated the Commission for championing the dignity and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Gombe State.

“We must ensure that special needs do not limit the potential of our people,”he said.

He added “Inline with Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s vision, we are committed to working hand in hand with the Commission to make sure PWDs live healthy, productive, and dignified lives.”

The new ties is expected to wax stronger especially as both parties agreed to strengthen partnership which is targeted at expanding access to essential healthcare services delivery to PWDs in Gombe State, Ability News Network reports 

NDBA Applauds D'Tigeress' Sprited Performance in Afrobasket Championship 2025, Calls for National Support to Improve Local League

 

by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe

10th August, 2025

In a bid to join other patriptic Nigerians in  celebrating the remarkable achievement of the Nigeria's top female basketball team "D' Tigress" recorded in the just concluded Afrobasket championship which holds in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire, from  Saturday 26th Jul  – Sunday 3rd Aug 2025, where the Nigeria's D'Tigress clinched the coveted trophy for the record fifth times in history.

The leadership of Nigeria Deaf Basketball Association (NDBA) has congratulated the victorious Senior Female National Basketball Team (D’Tigress), the entire team crew as well as  Enger Ahmed Musa kida - lead Board for their successful defense of the title they had won previously at the just concluded 2025 Afrobasket Championship in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire.

It could be recalled that the Coach Rena Wakama turtored girls braved all odds by displaying top basketball performance in the continent to defend the title they have now won 5 times in a row.

The Association hinted that "the team did not just win the championship in grand style, but once again have shown that they are a powerhouse in the slam and dunk game in the continent"

In a ongratulatory message to the victorious D' Tigress, the President of the Nigeria Deaf  Basketball Association, Comrade Oyedeji Olusegun Abayomi, " expressed immense  satisfaction with the performance of the team and most especially two indigenes of his home State - Oyo state namely; Promise Amakura and Sarah Ogoke, who put up great show and courage during the championship, reiterating that the side had showed great composure, tenacity and determination, exhibiting the Nigerian spirit"

The seasoned sports administrator further requested all the Stakeholders in  the basketball fraternity to  join hands  with the Nigeria Basket Ball Federation (NBBF)  to run a vibrant and functional league system that will constantly produce players for all the national teams rather than criticism of the team. 

"These  girls showed the Nigerian spirit with these performances and that calls a need to have a vibrant league back home to motivate the upcoming basketballers, he said.

Reflecting on the support for the team, the NDBA's president  thanked the Federal Government, National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) for their financial, technical and moral support to D'Tigress.

Abayomi further added, "to this end, D’Tigress have successfully won the championship five consecutive times, 7 titles in total and also qualified as one of Africa's teams to participate in the FIBA Africa Olympic qualifier"

Former NNAD President Dr. Olujie Reflects on Unforgettable Life Experience as a Deaf

by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe

10th August, 2025g

The immediate past National President of Nigerian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) Hon. Dr. Chidi Topaz Olujie has deeply reflected on his journey into Deafhood life, his funny experience as a Deaf corp member in Minna, Niger State, as well as what life as a Deaf corper has taught him as a person.

The former NNAD's top-notch leader recalled how Providence has brought him deeply  into an unusual kind of confrontations with his fellow corp members and some of the soldiers attached as their trainers in the NYSC orientation camp he attended after his first degree programme.

He wrote,"Let me say this clearly: I'm completely fine with people knowing I'm Deaf. No pity. No awkwardness. No helpunless I ask. It's simple. I can't hear well, and that's all there is to it"

Delving further into his funny NYSC campexperience, Dr. Olujie narrated how he unsuccessfully made several bold attempts to let the whole world to appreciate his unique nature as a Deaf and his being equal with everyone around him as an undisputed human being like anyone else.

Henoted, "I wanted to prove myself first, to march like everyone else before revealing my deafness"

"But when corpers called me and I didn't respond (because I couldn't heart hem), they thought I was being rude"

"I made many enemies without saying a word" he lamented groughly.

He added, "during drills, I did well in the front row, lipreading the soldier's commands. But when one soldier yelled from behind me and I didn't respond correctly, he thought I was being stubborn. Just as he was about to punish me, a classmate from another platoons poke up:"He's Deaf. He can't hear you."

And Then It All Ends Well: 

Being  the only Deaf corper in a camp that housed over a thousand souls is not something one can easily contend with without facing an unbearable challenges, and so Dr. Chidi paid the same price and embrace the same treatment anyone else in his position could face. Fortunately for him the bitter pills eventually turns out to be sweet pizza in the sense that the soldiers who initially had no idea how to  deal with their strange friend eventually "started communicating differently"

"The corpers who had given me unfriendly looks came to apologize" he recalled

"I not only made it to the final march, I even shook hands with the Niger State Governor"the triumphant Dr.Chidi added.

Learning A Life-Changing Lessons that count:

For Dr. Chidi, the experience garnered in the Minna NYSC Camp had definitely taught him great life-changing lessons he could not forget in his entire life journey on earth.

According to him , he learned that "Deafness is invisible until communication happens. Hiding it causes problems. Accepting it helps people  understand"

He also come to term up with the unadulterated fact that being called with the word"Deaf "isn't a bad word or name".It simply defines someone who can not hear well, and that'sall there is to" he concluded. 

SWDs Commends Philanthropist Engr. Kombat for Supporting GSU Students' Registration Fees, Appeal for Inclusion

 

by Ability News Network

8th August, 2025

The Students with Disabilities (SWDs) of Gombe State University (GSU) has expressed deep appreciation to the renowned philanthropist and humanitarian Engr. Aliyu Mohammed (Kombat) for his recent humanitarian support to the indigenous students of Gombe State University, which culminated in the payment of students registration fees totaling over 120, million naira. 

The kind-hearted gesture extended to the most vulnerable indigenous students was borne out of Engr. Kombat's philantropic gesture towards the lessprevileged students - carried out through his people-oriented humanitarian foundation known as "Velocity Humanitarian Foundation"

Expressing deep appreciation to the Engineer's heart-rending support to the GSU students, the Acting President, Gombe State University Students with Disabilities, Usman Harun Abubakar stated "we, the students with disabilities at Gombe State University, would like to express our sincere appreciation for your recent payment of registration fees for the general students body. Your kindness has not gone unnoticed"

He added, "We humbly request that you extend your support specifically to students with disabilities like ourselves. Many of us face unique challenges and require additional assistance to meet our needs"

" Your help would be a huge blessing to us"

"We would be eternally grateful if you could provide the necessary support to aid us in our academic pursuits. Your contribution would make a significant difference in our lives"

"We pray that Almighty Allah grants you all your needs and rewards you for your kindness" he concluded.

Investigation conducted by the Ability News Network Correspondent revealed that the renowned philanthropist has become a pillar of support for the most vulnerable members of the society including the persons with disabilities (PWDs) throughout the nooks and crannies of the state. His latest philantropic gesture towards the PWDs is manifested in the recent free distribution of mobility wheelchairs to over 50 PWDs, provision of start-up capital to an amputy which empowered the beneficiary to become self-reliant, paying medical bill and shouldering the cost of operation of a physically challenged person in Gombe, donation of #200,000.00 to students of Special Education Centre, Gombe, among many other unreported humanitarian support to PWDs.

Nafisa Abdullahi's Global Historic Triumph: A Reflection of President Tinubu, Gov. Buni's Transformational Achievement in Education Sector - SSAP Abba Isa

by Ability News Network 

10th August, 2025

The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinibu on Special Needs & Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa has dedicated the recent global success recorded by a teenager Nafisa Abdullahi, a student of Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC) Mamudo, Yobe State, and her two sisters Ruqayya Muhammad Fema, and Hadiza Kashim Kalli from the same school in the just concluded 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London, United Kingdom, to the visionary transformational educational  and leadership ahievement of his principals, president Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Gov. Mai Mala Buni's administration.

The Senior presidential Aide made the disclosure while congratulating the gigantic performance of the three teenagers in a statement he shared on his official Facebook page on Thursday.

His words, "I am delighted to extend my warmest congratulations to Nafisa Abdullahi Aminu (17), Ruqayya Muhammad Fema (15), and Hadiza Kashim Kalli of Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC), Mamudo, Yobe State, for their outstanding achievements at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals held in London, United Kingdom"

"Competing against over 20,000 participants from 69 countries, including native English-speaking nations, these exceptional Nigerian teens showcased Nigeria’s intellectual prowess and brilliance on the world stage"

A History Made by the Triumphant  Global Queens:  

Reflecting further on the remarkable  success achieved by the teens Hon. Abba explained that "Nafisa Abdullahi Aminu clinched the prestigious title of World Champion in English Language Skills, demonstrating unparalleled mastery. Ruqayya Muhammad Fema excelled in the Team Debate Challenge, displaying remarkable eloquence and critical thinking.  Hadiza Kashim Kalli earned the Outstanding Talent Award with a Gold Medal, contributing to Nigeria’s impressive haul of one gold, two silver, five bronze medals, and five honorable mentions"

Behold The Proud Daughters of Yobe State And The Nation

A proud Yobe indigent himself SSAP Abba who could not hide his administration for the three queens aucceess story said "as an indigene of Yobe State, I am immensely proud of this remarkable feat achieved by our daughters. Their success is not only a victory for Nigeria but a source of immense pride for every son and daughter of Yobe. It affirms the vast potential that exists in our communities when given the right support and opportunities"

A Perfect Reflection Of Renewed Hope Agenda Of Mr. President

"This historic triumph" he added,  "reflects the transformative power of education and equal opportunities, core pillars of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda"

"I commend His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON, for his visionary leadership and unwavering investment in the education sector of Yobe State, which has created an enabling environment for such global excellence. The dedication of NTIC’s management and educators in nurturing these talents is equally commendable"

A Promise For A Prosperous Future For Nigerian Youths and PWDs

In my capacity as the Senior Special Assistant to the President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, I reaffirm my commitment to advancing policies that ensure every Nigerian child, including those with special needs, has access to quality education and platforms to shine.

My office stands ready to collaborate with stakeholders to create more platforms for Nigeria’s youth to excel both locally and globally.

An Inspiration For A Generation Yet Unborn To Remember

The success of Nafisa, Ruqayya, and Hadiza is a powerful inspiration to Nigerian youth  especially girls and children in underserved regions  to pursue excellence with courage and determination.

Congratulations, Nafisa, Ruqayya, and Hadiza, for making Nigeria — and Yobe State — immensely proud.

May your achievements continue to inspire millions, and may we collectively build a nation where every talent is recognized, nurtured, and celebrated.

Court Sentenced Edo physically-challenged Lady to 15 years in Prison for Drugs Trafficking

 

by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe

6th August 2025

A Federal High Court  in Benin City, Edo State has passed a 15 years sentence in prison on a female physically challenged identified as Rita Idehen alongside six of her partners in crime after being tried and found to be convicted by the court on a serious criminal charge bordering on drugs-related criminal activities in July.

The court rulings according to the reports published by the Punch Newspaper  was delivered and passed by Hon. Justice Prof. Chuka Obiozor and Hon. Justice J. B. O. Quadiri.

According to the Punch reports Idehen, hails from the Oredo Local Government Area of the state, she was arraigned under charge number FHC/B/114C/2022 and found guilty of two counts of unlawful possession and dealing in cannabis sativa (2.5 kg), Loud (1.8 grams), and Swinol (2.2 grams). She was sentenced to a 15-year prison sentence with an option of a N3m fine.

When contacted to comment on the development, the NDLEA Edo State commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed to newsmen "that a total of 15 cases were charged against the culprits, out of which seven convictions comprising two females and five males were secured, and 113 cases were pending as of July 31, 2025

Mr. Ofoyeju cautioned that having  physical challenge in a person  is not an excuse for trial in criminal cases, stressing serving stiffer punishment to offenders when they are found guilty is one of the greatest deterrents of crime for others to ponder. 

Rita Idehen, who was accused of drugs trafficking

Opyeju stated, “these convictions have sent a strong warning that you cannot hide under the canopy of being physically challenged to commit strict liability criminal offences like  drug trafficking"

"Those who commit crimes under any guise should prepare to face the consequences"

“All hands must be on deck in support of the NDLEA’s efforts championed by Brig. General Mohamed Buba-Marwa (retd). Stern judgements will undoubtedly help to deter future offenders and ensure public safety.” he concluded