The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT Command says it is adopting sign language as a means of communication in intelligence gathering and dissemination.
The FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu disclosed this at the closing ceremony of a five-day training programme on “Effective Communication in Sign Language” on Monday in Abuja.
Odumosu said that the training of the first batch of 50 personnel was a strategic investment in the future of intelligence gathering and criminal investigation which will further help in delivering on the mandates of the corps.
“It is the first of its kind for the NSCDC and it is designed to build the capacity of our personnel in the effective use of sign language as a tool of communication.
“By equipping our personnel with sign language proficiency, we are tearing down a long-standing barrier between law enforcement agencies and members of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
“This is a citizens-centred approach to law enforcement in its truest sense by building trust, improving access to justice, and ensuring no voice goes unheard, whether spoken or signed.
“It will help personnel communicate within themselves with sign language which will foster seamless security activities.
“We have had cases being reported to us by the deaf community and suspects being brought to us and both the complainant and suspect were deaf so we had to get interpreters,” he said.
Odumosu commended the trained personnel for their commitment and dedication to learn, adapt, and embrace a new skill that will forever enrich their professional conduct and personal life.
The Commandant said that the training served as the beginning of deeper engagement, continued learning, and stronger bonds between the NSCDC FCT command and every segment of the society.
“We have organised several training programmes and established a reward system for excellent performance and we will continue to raise the bar,” he said.
Deaf-in-Tech Founder, Mr Ayoola Arowolo appreciated the FCT command for pioneering the movement of an inclusive security architecture.
Arowolo who is also one of the facilitators of the training, said that the training will not only ensure protection of persons with disability but will ensure security of every Nigerian.
“This is the first for this country as no security operative has started this by including the disability cluster in how to provide security in our country.
“We hope this training ignites other security apparatus in the country to enrol their operatives in sign language.
“Thank you for pioneering this in the country as we believe this will spread to other personnel, security agencies and states at large,” he said.
According to him, there had been reports of deaf and dumb persons getting into trouble with security operatives due to the inability of both parties to communicate effectively.
One of the beneficiaries, Assistant-Commandant Adeola Adesiyan, appreciated the commandant for organising the training for personnel of the command.
Adesiyan who works with the Peace and Conflict Resolution unit of the corps, said that the training will help to bridge the gap between the persons with disability and the security architecture of the country.(NAN)
