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In a significant stride towards inclusive security, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has successfully graduated 250 personnel from an intensive five-week training programme in sign language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The graduation ceremony, held at the NSCDC Headquarters in Abuja, marked a new chapter in the corps\u2019 ongoing efforts to provide people-centered and accessible security services across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, described the training as a major milestone in the corps\u2019 mission to bridge communication gaps and promote inclusivity within the nation\u2019s security landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis moment represents a defining point in our collective journey toward a more inclusive approach to security. By acquiring sign language skills, our officers are now better equipped to engage with every citizen including those who are deaf or hard of hearing ensuring they feel safe, heard, and valued,\u201d Odumosu stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He emphasized that capacity building remains central to the NSCDC\u2019s mandate of delivering modern, responsive, and inclusive security services. Odumosu praised the graduating officers for their commitment to professional development, stressing the long-term significance of the skills acquired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cInclusion is essential for effective security. With this training, our personnel have taken a bold step toward ensuring that the voices of persons with hearing impairments are not only acknowledged but understood,\u201d he said. \u201cThere are many unheard voices in our communities today, you have gained the ability to listen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Odumosu further highlighted the operational benefits of the training, noting that sign language proficiency would enhance not just communication but also intelligence gathering, particularly within vulnerable populations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn today\u2019s complex security environment, inclusion is not a luxury; it is a necessity. The ability to engage directly without interpreters enhances both the quality and confidentiality of our interactions with members of the public,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The commandant also extended appreciation to Dr. Arowolo Ayoola, founder of Deaf in Tech<\/strong>, whose organisation facilitated the training. He praised the group for its professionalism and commitment to empowering the deaf community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYour contributions to the deaf community are deeply appreciated. You provided not just a platform for training, but a pathway toward greater understanding and social cohesion,\u201d Odumosu said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Encouraging the newly trained officers, he described them as pioneers of a more inclusive security culture. \u201cYou are now ambassadors of inclusive security. Let your actions inspire change across other commands. Carry this torch forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The initiative was also lauded by the President of the Nigeria National Association for the Deaf, Haruna Mohammed, who urged other security agencies to emulate the NSCDC\u2019s example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTraining officers in sign language should be standard practice across all security and paramilitary agencies,\u201d Mohammed said. \u201cIt\u2019s not just a communication tool \u2014 it\u2019s a fundamental right. We also appeal to the NSCDC to prioritize the recruitment of persons with disabilities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Echoing this sentiment, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Ayuba Gufwan, hailed the programme as a bold step toward building a more inclusive society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhen our security personnel are trained to communicate with all citizens, including those with disabilities, we move closer to achieving a truly safe and inclusive nation,\u201d Gufwan remarked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the graduating officers also shared their thoughts on the programme. Samuel Idoko, one of the trainees, described the experience as transformative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis training has completely changed how I approach my work. I\u2019m now confident in engaging with the deaf community,\u201d he said, expressing gratitude to the commandant for the initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another graduate, Cynthia Okpara, said learning sign language had long been a dream. \u201cI\u2019m incredibly grateful for this opportunity. With these skills, I can now communicate effectively with deaf citizens it will certainly make my job easier and more fulfilling.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In a significant stride towards inclusive security, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has successfully graduated 250 personnel from an intensive five-week training…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":11601,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_crdt_document":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11599","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pages"],"yoast_head":"\n