The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Capital Territory Command, on Wednesday graduated 250 of its personnel who 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.