The North-East Association of the Deaf (NEAD) held its inaugural summit in Gombe on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the empowerment and leadership of the Deaf community across the region.
The four-day event brought together leaders, educators, and advocates dedicated to improving the lives of Deaf individuals and promoting their inclusion in society.
The summit kicked off with an address by the Principal of the Special Education Centre, Gombe Mohammed Ahmed lawan who highlighted the summit’s primary objectives.
He encouraged participants to fully engage with the program, emphasizing their role in mobilizing out-of-school Deaf children and ensuring their access to education.
“As leaders, it is crucial that we not only learn from this program but also take active steps to bring education to those who are left behind,” he urged.
Mal. Suidu Jiji Gadam, a prominent advocate for the Deaf community, commended the organizers for their efforts in bringing this initiative to life.
He expressed pride in the program, urging the development of more leaders who can champion the cause of the Deaf. “This summit is just the beginning. We need more initiatives like this to continue uplifting our communities,” he said.
Dr. Ishiyaku Adamu, Chairman of the Joint Association of Persons with Disability, Gombe State chapter, also spoke at the event, praising Gombe State University for its inclusive environment.
He noted that the university has opened doors for many individuals with disabilities, enabling them to contribute to their communities.
“Gombe State University is a beacon of hope for many, and I am proud of the opportunities it provides,” Dr. Adamu remarked.
Miss Wayuta Miyausa, Executive Director of Sound Abilities for Vulnerable Women (SAVWIN) and Women Leader of NEAD, delivered a heartfelt speech during the opening ceremony. She expressed her gratitude to the Kennedy Lugard Young Exchange Alumni Association and NEAD leadership for organizing the summit, which she described as “the first of its kind” in the region.
Miyausa particularly appreciated the inclusion of Deaf women, who she noted are often marginalized in leadership and empowerment programs.
“This summit is a step forward in ensuring that Deaf women are not left behind,” she emphasized.
Ashiru Abubakar Nagoma, the Youth Leader of NEAD and a 2011/12 alumnus of the Kennedy Lugard Young Exchange Alumni Association (KL-YES Alumni), played a pivotal role in organizing the summit.
He thanked the people of America and the KL-YES Alumni for their unwavering support, which has enabled him to lead various initiatives aimed at empowering Deaf individuals and persons with disabilities (PWDs). “This summit is designed to equip Deaf leaders with the skills they need to thrive in leadership and entrepreneurship,” Nagoma explained.
He encouraged participants to absorb the knowledge shared during the summit and to disseminate it within their communities.
The summit, which featured presentations from both PWD and non-PWD experts, is aimed at enhancing leadership and entrepreneurial skills among Deaf stakeholders in the Northeast.
Nagoma concluded by thanking all the resource persons, stakeholders, and participants from the six Northeastern states for their commitment to the cause and wished them a safe journey back home after the event.
The NEAD summit represents a significant step forward in the fight for greater inclusion and empowerment of the Deaf community in Nigeria, setting a precedent for future initiatives in the region.
