To enhance public safety through inclusive protection, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has trained 250 personnel in Basic Sign Language Proficiency Training.
NSCDC Commandant of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Olusola Odumosu, highlighted the importance of capacity building in developing a responsive security workforce.
He made this known during the graduation ceremony of the personnel, organised in partnership with Data Lead Africa and Deaf In Tech, yesterday in Abuja.
He said that “Capacity building is the cornerstone of modern and responsive security service delivery; therefore, the various training and retraining initiatives and the milestones achieved in the last two years are all part of our deliberate strategy to build a resilient, professional, and inclusive security outfit, one that can respond to the evolving needs of our society.”
The commandant also notes that the five-week sign language training programme is aimed at bridging communication gaps within the community and reflects a significant advancement towards inclusive security by his command.
Dr. Olusola emphasised that inclusion is crucial for effective security operations, and understanding community needs, particularly among vulnerable groups, is essential. Hence, this initiative not only strengthens the corps’ intelligence-gathering capabilities but also fosters a more compassionate and understanding environment.
“It is pertinent to state that our command’s commitment to learning sign language demonstrates a profound respect for diversity and our firm belief in inclusive security.
“By acquiring this language, we are not only enhancing our professional capabilities but also breaking barriers, fostering understanding, and building a safer, more compassionate society,” he added.
Founder, Deaf in Tech, Dr. Arowole Ayoola, pointed out that inclusion is not charity, but rather, it is an acknowledgement that we see and hear those excluded.
Commending the NSCDC for the initiative and carrying along the deaf community in the FCT, Dr. Ayoola said, “When institutions choose inclusion over ill treatment, it says a lot.
“This is the first time in Nigeria that a security agency has made such a bold and structured effort to bridge the gap between state protection and a community that has long been invisible in the eyes of the system.”
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Chief Ayuba Gufwan, explained that training officers in sign language will surely improve security for the deaf community in Nigeria.
He said, “Data Lead Africa has shown relentless service in digital inclusion for the deaf and their pioneering effort in training security agencies to understand sign language to bridge the communication gap for the deaf in partnership with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, FCT Command.
“The training of security personnel in sign language is not only a step in the right direction; it is a clear demonstration of the corps’ commitment to inclusive service delivery and to safeguarding the rights of all Nigerians, most especially the deaf and persons with disabilities at large.”
