The President, Deaf Supporters Development Initiative (DSDI), Mr Afolabi Dahunsi has called for inclusive participation of the Deaf and disability community in the scheme of things in the country.
Dahunsi made call during the association’s distribution of palliatives for Ramadan/Lent to members of the Deaf community in Lagos State.
He described Inclusive participation as the “master key to progress and development”.
He explained that the association’s mandate was to improve the lives of deaf people, saying that it usually partner donors and friends of the deaf in a bid to find solutions to a myriad of problems and challenges in deaf community.
According to him, the organisation also fights for inclusive participation of the Deaf and other Persons With Disabilities (PWD) in the scheme of things in the country.
He said, “Thanks in part to Nigeria Disability [Prohibition] Law signed in 2018 by the Late former President Muhammadu Buhari which gives us the courage to fight for inclusive participation of the Deaf and other categories of PWDs in the scheme of things as the UN CRPD says no one must be left behind in order to create sustainability for our world.
Dahunsi appreciated the City Boy Grand Patron – Barr. Seyi Tinubu for his kindness toward the Deaf community.
His appreciation was also extended to Moremi Ojudu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-West) for carrying the association along.
“The food distribution for the Ramadan and Lent was freely given to us by the City Boy Grand Patron to deliver to our community. He is very passionate about people’s welfare. God bless his soul for us.
“Without inclusive participation of PWDs, we should not dissipate energy and resources anyhow,” he said.
Dahunsi assured readiness of the Deaf community to vote for All Progressive Party (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) GCFR in the forthcoming General Elections 2027.
He, therefore, urged deaf people and other members of the disability community not to waste their votes in 2027, but cast their votes for APC and PBAT as Nigeria’s President, stressing that they will not regret their choice.
“We are excited to be part of those supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the reforms and visions he is currently implementing for Nigeria. We are of belief that his second coming will be good to us all,” Dahunsi added.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the SSA, Hon. Adebayo Adeyinka underscored the importance of religious tolerance, unity, and peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians.
He said the event was part of efforts to support vulnerable groups during the sacred seasons of Ramadan and Lent.
He also encouraged members of the community to actively participate in the democratic process, reminding them that their voices matter and that their power lies in their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
According to him, this engagement reinforces the State commitment to inclusive governance and grassroots connection across all communities.
“Over the weekend, we had the privilege of representing Moremi Ojudu, SSA to the President on Community Engagement (South-West), at the distribution of palliatives to members of the deaf community in Lagos State.
We deeply appreciate the warm reception by the DSDI community and commend their commitment to inclusivity and empowerment,” he said.
DSDI is a non-profit making, non-partisan and a disability non-governmental organisation (NGO), focusing on empowerment and inclusion of PWDs, and advancing the interests of the Deaf, good governance and democracy ethos.
