By: Manoah Kikekon
The Badagry community witnessed affirmation of inclusion as the Badagry Deaf Association (BDA), in collaboration with the Lagos State Association of the Deaf, successfully hosted the 4th Edition of its Deaf Awareness Day.
The significant event, held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at the Badagry Local Government Secretariat, resonated with the compelling theme, “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights.”
The gathering served as a crucial platform for advocacy, uniting government officials, community leaders, and members of the Deaf community to address barriers and chart a path toward genuine equality in the historic town of Badagry, Lagos State.
Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Babatunde Hunpe, made a landmark commitment to the community. He declared, “To us in Badagry Local Government, we want to say we are with you. Very soon, you'll have your office in the local government, where you can boldly say you are part of the government.”
This pledge to establish a dedicated office for persons with disabilities signifies a major step towards institutionalizing inclusion, providing a formal channel for the community to lodge complaints, advise the government, and ensure their needs are met directly by the authorities in Badagry.
The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, represented by Ajande Pascal Viweavo, delivered an inspiring message. He urged the Deaf community to remember that “disability is not inability” and that their “silence does not mean weakness.”
His speech was a direct call to action for community leaders and employers across Lagos State, emphasizing that “true inclusion begins when we show understanding and respect in our daily actions.” He assured the attendees, “Badagry sees you. Lagos State sees you. And the world hears your voice, even in silence,” reinforcing the government’s recognition of their contributions.
Ekundayo Sejoro, Chairman of the Badagry Deaf Association. He highlighted the daily challenges faced by the Deaf in Badagry, including a critical lack of sign language interpreters in schools and hospitals. Mr. Sejoro issued a direct appeal to Lagos State House of Assembly members, Hon. Solomon Bonu and Hon. Setonji David, urging them to prioritize the welfare of their constituents by appointing a Senior Special Assistant on Disability Matters.
Stating that “the level of negligence is too high,” the association also called for the establishment of disability desks at the Local Government Secretariat and Badagry General Hospital to ensure accessible services.
Mrs. Elsie Rose Akerele, Founder of the Lady Atinuke Oyindamola Memorial Home, unequivocally stated, “Sign language is not a privilege, it is indeed a right.” Her words encapsulated the day’s central message, framing sign language as an essential tool for education, communication, and societal participation.
The 4th Deaf Awareness Day in Badagry stands as a pivotal moment, not just for celebration but for actionable change, setting a clear agenda for government bodies and the wider community to break down barriers and build a society where every citizen, hearing or Deaf, can thrive with dignity.