As part of activities to mark this year’s International Day for the Deaf, a rights group, Save Nigeria Movement (SNM) has appealed to the federal government and corporate organisations to set up a special joint fund to support cochlear implants for deaf Nigerians.
The group said the gains made at the National Ear Care Centre Kaduna under the current leadership of Dr Mustapha Yaro must be maximally utilised for the benefits of Nigerians.
“Congratulating Dr Mustapha Yaro led management for the international Health and Safety standards award by Freelance Journalist Federation, the group said the recognition was well deserved”.
The NECC was established by the federal government to carter for ENT related health conditions.
In a statement signed by SNM Executive Director, Dr Richard Oduma, the group said, it would focus on advocacy for more funding for the Centre as a major theme for this years International Day for the deaf celebrations.
The International Day for the Deaf is observed in September every year to galvanized efforts to address challenges faced by the deaf.
“For the successes recorded at the National Ear Care Centre, the Global Community for Deaf People in Nigeria owes the center a debt of gratitude. For the first time in history, through the instrumentality of the Center, deaf Nigerians can have their hearing restored.
“We are going to organise a workshop for administrators of special needs schools, and associations for deaf people in Nigeria to give our children and citizens hope of normal hearing. The idea of this workshop is to bring stakeholders together to brainstorm on reforms that would advance the welfare of deaf people in Nigeria, particularly; hearing restoration.
“It would also provide a platform for more awareness on the essential services available at the National Ear Care Centre.
Many Nigerians as we speak do not know that hearing could be restored in Nigeria; they do not know that the National Ear Care Centre is well equipped for this kind of surgery.
“So we need to let Nigerians know of the possibilities available at the NECC, then we can focus on funding interventions. The centre can not achieve her laudable objectives if there is no awareness and sensitisation on the excellent essential services available at the Center.
“We are calling on the federal government, the CBN and corporate companies to work out a special fund for the Center to support the restoration of hearing of one hundred (100) deaf Nigerians in the near future. The center has brought pride to ENT services revolution in Nigeria and deserves support for the benefit of Nigerians”.
Dr Oduma further maintained that the organisations week long activities will climax with a “Thank you” Solidarity rally to Mr President, The Honorable Minister of Health and the management of National Ear Care Centre Kaduna for the great milestones recorded at the center.
“We will also do follow up tours to Special Needs Schools as we continue to expand sponsorship advocacy for Cochlear implants for Nigerians”, Dr Oduma maintained.