Members of the Edo State Deaf Federation have protested their alleged exclusion from the ongoing state festival in Enugu, calling for greater inclusion and equal opportunities for persons with hearing impairments in public events.
The protest took place at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) premises in Benin City, where members of the federation expressed concerns over their reported inability to participate in the festival.
Chukwuma Nwakwo, a coach and Deaf Sports Assistant with the Edo State Sports Commission, was identified in connection with the concerns raised by the deaf sporting community.
The situation was, however, pacified by the Chairman of the Edo State Council of the NUJ, Festus Alenkhe, who intervened to calm the protesters and promised to address their concerns.
Alenkhe’s intervention helped to ease tensions as the federation members sought attention to their grievances and clarification over the circumstances surrounding their reported exclusion from the festival.
The protest has drawn attention to the importance of inclusiveness and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in cultural, social and government-sponsored activities.
Members of the federation are seeking consideration and a fair opportunity to participate in events that promote unity, cultural exchange and social engagement.
The development also highlights the need for event organisers and relevant authorities to ensure that persons with disabilities are adequately considered in planning and implementing public programmes.
As of the time of filing this report, further details regarding the reasons for the federation’s reported exclusion and the specific commitments made by the NUJ chairman were not immediately available.
The federation’s concerns are expected to require further engagement with the relevant authorities to clarify the circumstances and explore possible steps towards resolving the matter.
