The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), FCT Command, has trained 250 of its personnel in sign language as part of efforts to bridge communication gaps and enhance inclusive security operations in the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Wednesday, FCT Commandant Dr. Olusola Odumosu described the initiative as a major step toward building a more inclusive and responsive security system. He noted that the officers were drawn from the command headquarters, as well as Divisional and Area Commands across the territory.
The five-week training, according to Odumosu, reflects the Corps’ commitment to empowering its officers with necessary tools to engage all members of society effectively, including people with hearing impairments.
”By acquiring this knowledge, we are not only enhancing our professional capabilities, but also breaking barriers, fostering understanding, and building a safer, more compassionate society.
”We will leverage on this skill to entertain complaints, carry out interrogations and gather intelligence without relying on interpreters,” he said.
The FCT commandant also said that the acquired skills were to ensure that every citizen, regardless of their inability felt a sense of safety and belonging in the society.
”Your roles goes beyond mere protection; it encompasses understanding and addressing the diverse needs of all members of the community, especially at the grassroot.
”Inclusion is at the heart of effective security, and by learning sign language, you have made a vital commitment to ensuring that the voices of the deaf and hard-of-hearing citizens will be heard and understood,” Odumosu added.
Meanwhile, Dr Arowolo Ayoola Founder, Deaf-In-Tech, a Non-Profit Organisation appreciated the NSCDC for bridging the gap between persons with disabilities and able persons.
According to Ayoola, inclusion is about belonging; saying you are seen and part of us. So we should be able to trust the national security system for protection, that has not been the story; and that is why today matters to us.
”If the excluded communities build their own parallel system, what will Nigeria look like? Imagine a security outfit running solely for the blind because the existing system does not see them or consider their needs.
”We cannot keep on designing system around the able persons thinking everyone will survive. So we are glad to be witnessing a shift from what it used to be.
”These officers have sent a message to the deaf community that they are not a burden, invisible or alone, it has reaffirmed trust, dignity and that a lot is possible,” he said.
He urged other security agencies and stakeholders to emulate the training of operatives on sign language by the FCT NSCDC and do same.
Similarly, Mr Ayuba Gufwan, Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disability, said that the initiative was particularly significant in the FCT where the population was diverse and dynamic.
Gufwan said that the Commission stood ready to support the NSCDC and all other security agencies with technical assistance, capacity building, and strategic partnerships to strengthen inclusion agenda.
”We are confident that the corps can set a national example in upholding the values of accessibility, representation, and fairness,” he said.
He called on the corps to employ trained deaf individuals as well as give full effect to the five per cent employment quota for Persons with Disabilities into the NSCDC.
“The corps will be greatly enriched by the courage, resilience and talent that persons with disabilities bring to public service as well as ensure continuous training of the rank and file in sign language mastery through interaction, cooperation and working together,” he added.
One of the training beneficiaries, Mrs Cynthia Okpara said that the training on sign language was a-dream-come true for her as she had always anticipated being able to communicate non-verbally.
Okpara said that the knowledge gained would enable her discharge her job more proficiently, especially in bridging communication gap in the line of duty.
Another beneficiary, Nneka Opkene appreciated the commandant for pioneering the training, adding it had broadened her knowledge to communicate with the deaf and dumb community.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ceremony was graciously attended by representatives of various persons with disability groups, FCT security heads, amongst others
