By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The Deafblind Inclusion and Advocacy Network (DIAN) Nigeria, under the LionHeart Ability Leaders International Foundation, has called for national recognition, inclusion, and urgent action on deafblindness as a distinct disability.
The foundation’s Executive Director, Mr Solomon Okeola, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.
He noted that as the world prepared to mark the 2025 International Deafblind Awareness Week, DIAN was celebrating the resilience, strength, and unyielding spirit of persons living with deafblindness.
“Deafblindness is a unique and complex dual sensory disability, distinct from either deafness or blindness alone.
“In spite of several laws, persons with deafblindness remain excluded from national and state disability policies, programmes, and interventions.
“Most states lack basic data on the number of people living with this condition,” he said.
Okeola emphasised that the lack of recognition had led to isolation, marginalisation, and, in some cases, death.
He revealed that three members of DIAN had died by suicide due to the emotional and social consequences of neglect and invisibility.
“These tragic losses highlight the urgent need for coordinated action.
“Persons with deafblindness deserve access to assistive technologies, communication support, education, and a life of dignity and opportunity, just like every other citizen.
“DIAN is working toward conducting a nationwide survey to identify the incidence of deafblindness in Nigeria,” he stressed.
Okeola explained that this would help create a national database, guide policies, and ensure the provision of essential services and inclusion strategies for deafblind individuals and their families.
He added that the initiative would also promote public awareness, challenge harmful stereotypes, and help ensured that no Nigerian with deafblindness was left behind.
He said that to mark Deafblind Awareness Week 2025, DIAN would hold a series of events from June 23 to 29 and called on well-meaning Nigerians to support the cause. (NAN)