The Rivers State Association of the Deaf recently observed the 2026 Deaf Awareness Week, themed “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights: Advancing Deaf People’s Human Rights in Rivers State.” The event, held at the Women Development and Skills Acquisition Centre in Port Harcourt, aimed to raise awareness about the rights and challenges of deaf persons. The association called on the state government to strengthen the implementation of disability rights laws and construct more schools for deaf children. They also sought expanded employment and empowerment opportunities for persons with hearing impairments.
Henry Obotu, the South-South Zonal Coordinator of the Nigerian Association of the Deaf, identified communication barriers as a major challenge confronting deaf persons in Rivers State. He noted that government announcements and public information often lack sign language interpretations, making it difficult for deaf persons to access important information. Obotu urged media organizations to incorporate captions and subtitles into their broadcasts and public information materials to ensure inclusivity.
Obotu emphasized the need for effective implementation of disability rights legislation to ensure equal opportunities for deaf persons. He stated that deaf persons should participate fully in public life, free from communication barriers. The establishment of specialized schools and learning centers for deaf persons was also highlighted as essential to address their educational and communication needs.
Comrade So-oriari T. Beneth, Chairman of the Rivers State Association of the Deaf, called for greater government support for the deaf community. He requested skills acquisition programs, employment opportunities, and improved educational facilities. Beneth appreciated the state government's existing support but stressed the need for sustained commitment to the welfare and empowerment of deaf persons.
Beneth identified education, economic empowerment, and accessibility as key areas requiring government intervention. He urged authorities to provide adequate resources for schools serving deaf students and expand vocational training and employment opportunities. Investing in the deaf community, he argued, would enable its members to become self-reliant and contribute to the development of Rivers State.
The Rivers State Association of the Deaf emphasized the importance of education and economic empowerment for deaf persons. They urged the government to prioritize the needs of deaf persons and provide necessary support for their inclusion in governance, education, healthcare, and employment. The association also called for increased awareness about the rights and challenges of deaf persons.
The 2026 Deaf Awareness Week event provided a platform for deaf persons to advocate for their rights and raise awareness about their challenges. The Rivers State Association of the Deaf and other stakeholders will continue to push for the implementation of disability rights laws and improved educational facilities for deaf children in the state.
Key points
- The Rivers State Association of the Deaf has called on the state government to enforce disability rights laws and provide more educational facilities for deaf children.
- Communication barriers are a major challenge confronting deaf persons in Rivers State, with government announcements and public information often lacking sign language interpretations.
- The association urged the government to prioritize education, economic empowerment, and accessibility for deaf persons to enable them to become self-reliant and contribute to the state's development.
