Association of Sign Language Interpreters marks 10th year anniversary, as stakeholders call for inclusion of sign language in governance

Bolaji Obabiyi (intern)

The Association of Sign Language Interpreters of Nigeria (ASLIN), Ogun State Chapter, on Saturday marked its 10th anniversary and Annual General Meeting (AGM) with a renewed call for the full recognition and integration of sign language interpreters across public institutions.

Penpushing reports that at the ceremony held at Iwe-Iroyin Press Centre, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, with the theme, “Sign Language Interpreting: A Human Rights Issue’, stakeholders in disability rights and inclusive governance emphasized relevance of sing language interpreters in the society

The Chairman of the association, Seyi Ogunbayo  in his welcome speech highlighted the establishment of the body, challenges and feats recorded in the last 10 years of its operations and called on government on need to support the body

 Penpushing further reports that the Special Guest of Honour, Hon Babatunde Tella described the anniversary as a celebration of vision, resilience and a decade of dedicated service to humanity.

The Special Guest of Honour pointed out that sign language interpreters play a critical role in giving voice to persons with hearing impairment who have long been excluded from public discourse.

Penpushing also reports that Tella explained his decision to sponsor a motion at the Ogun State House of Assembly mandating the recognition and inclusion of sign language interpreters in all state-organised programmes was borne out of the need to ensure inclusive governance.

‘That motion was not just a legislative achievement; it was a moral victory. It was a statement that in Ogun State, every citizen matters,” the lawmaker said,

Penpushing reports that he assured Association of Sign Language Interpreters of Nigeria (ASLIN), of continued legislative support to deepen inclusion and accessibility in schools, hospitals, courts, emergency services and community engagements.

The lawmaker commended members for their professionalism and advocacy, describing them as partners in progress, whose commitment helped bring attention to the needs of persons with hearing impairment.

Penpushing further reports that Chairman of the Deaf Association, Ogun State Chapter, Mr. Salami Rasheed, said effective service to the deaf community requires professionally skilled interpreters, stressing that no meaningful human rights advocacy can be achieved without sign language.

“No human rights without sign language can be achieved. To build a truly inclusive society where no one is left behind, interpreters must champion the cause with fairness, dedication and professionalism,” Rasheed said.

Penpushing also reports that the guest lecturer, Mr. Sina Adefolahan explained that sign language interpreting is fundamentally a human rights issue, noting that human rights are universal, inalienable and foundational to societal development.

The retired Principal emphasized that denying sign language amounts to denying deaf persons equal citizenship, adding that recognition of sign language also affirms the cultural and linguistic identity of deaf communities.

Penpushing reports that he urged interpreters to adhere strictly to professional ethics, noting that although over 80 countries have recognized sign languages in law or constitutions globally, legal recognition remains a work in progress.

The keynote speaker Dr. Ololade O. Nnamani, in her paper, “Speech-Language Pathologists as Determiners of the Human Right to Diversity in Communication for School Children in Ogun State’, advocated inclusive communication strategies in schools.

Penpushing further reports that she highlighted linguistic diversity in Ogun State, including the use of Yoruba, Egun and Nigerian English, and stressed the importance of recognizing neurodiversity among children with autism, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy.

“The goal is to move from fixing the child to empowering the child’s unique voice. Sign language is one of the methods of total communication’, Nnamani emphasised.

Penpushing also reports that she identified challenges affecting inclusive education such as brain drain, the urban-rural divide and policy implementation gaps, calling for stronger enforcement of laws prohibiting discrimination against persons with disabilities.

The wife of Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta, Olori Aminat Matemilola in her goodwill message, urged Nigerians to embrace tolerance and mutual respect, calling on society to appreciate, accommodate and love one another regardless of differences.

Meanwhile, the event also featured the inauguration of Prince Dimeji Kayode Adedeji, founder of Penpushing Media, as an honorary member of the association in recognition of his support for inclusive advocacy, as well as Olori Matemilola as the matron of the association

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