The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Capital Territory Command, on Wednesday graduated 250 of its personnel who successfully completed a five-week training in sign language.
The graduation ceremony, held at the NSCDC Command Headquarters in Abuja, marked a step towards inclusive and people-centered security service in the country.
Speaking at the event, the Commandant of the FCT Command, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, described the initiative as a “momentous turning point” in the corps’ ongoing commitment to bridging communication gaps and promoting inclusivity in the security sector.
“This event marks a momentous turning point in our dedication and determination for inclusivity as we come together to celebrate the successful completion of a vital training programme.
“By acquiring these essential skills, you are equipped to bridge communication gaps and ensure that every citizen, regardless of their ability, feels a sense of safety and belonging in our society,” Odumosu said.
Odumosu stressed that capacity building remains at the core of the corps’ mission to offer modern, responsive, and inclusive security services.
He lauded the graduating officers for their dedication and underscored the broader implications of the training.
“Inclusion is at the heart of effective security. By learning sign language, you have made a vital commitment to ensuring that the voices of the deaf and hard-of-hearing citizens are heard and understood.
“Remember, in every community, there are voices that are not heard — you are now equipped to listen,” the commandant stated.
Highlighting the strategic value of the training, Odumosu added that the skills gained would not only enhance communication but also strengthen intelligence gathering and service delivery without reliance on interpreters.
“This training enhances not only our service delivery but also strengthens our intelligence-gathering capacity, particularly in cases involving vulnerable communities.
“In the 21st-century security environment, inclusion is not a privilege — it is a necessity,” he said.
The commandant extended his gratitude to the founder of Deaf in Tech, Dr. Arowolo Ayoola, whose organisation facilitated the training. He commended the foundation for its professionalism and dedication to the deaf community.
“Your deeds for the deaf are engraved in marble. You not only gave us the platform to learn from the professionalism that your team brought into every session, but also the opportunity to give a sense of belonging to vulnerable communities through our service,” Odumosu said.
The commandant concluded with a message of inspiration to the officers. “You are now ambassadors of inclusive security. Through your work, you will inspire others to follow suit. Please continue to carry the torch of inclusive security forward, ensuring that every voice is heard and every citizen feels secure.”
The training initiative also received praise from the President of the Nigeria National Association for the Deaf, Haruna Mohammed, who called on other security agencies to follow the NSCDC’s lead.
“Other security agencies and paramilitary agencies should emulate the NSCDC in training officers on sign languages.
“Sign language is not just a basic communication but it needs to be made mandatory in Nigeria. We wish to appeal to the commandant to consider specific persons with disabilities into recruitment,” Mohammed said.
The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Ayuba Gufwan, described the initiative as a “clear demonstration” of the NSCDC’s commitment to protecting all Nigerians.
“When security operatives are equipped to communicate with, we move closer to realide a society that is safe and inclusive,” Gufwan said.
Graduating officers also shared their enthusiasm for the training. Samuel Idoko, one of the participants, said the experience had transformed his approach to duty.
“This will help me to communicate with the deaf community when I meet with them.
“I want to thank the commandant for putting the training together,” he said.
Another graduate, Cynthia Okpara, expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
“I am so excited for the initiative of the commandant. Learning sign language has been a dream and I have actualised it through this programme.
“It will be easier for me to do my job with the deaf communities,” Okpara said.
