The North East representative of the National Deaf Sports Federation, Zayyanu Umar, has commended Governor Agbu Kefas for his inclusive governance.
Umar conveyed his appreciation during a courtesy visit to the Director of Taraba State Sports Council, George Shitta, in Jalingo.
The speaker, speaking through an interpreter, Sarah Yakubu, stated that the visit aimed to strengthen the relationship between the Sports Council and the Deaf Sports Association.
He also expressed gratitude to Director George Shitta for his support and cooperation with the association in the state.
Umar revealed plans to organize three sports events in the state: the Northeast deaf football chapter, the Northeast Athletics competition, and the Northeast Deaf Sports Leadership Training.
He appealed to the Taraba State government for cooperation and support to achieve these goals, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity.
“We appreciate Governor Agbu Kefas. When you mention his name, everyone is happy and loves this present government, including the disabled people unlike the previous administrations, and we are urging him to open his heart to the deaf people and also to everyone for the development of our dear state.
“We have a team for a sports competition for deaf students and our last competition in Kano, Taraba became first”.
Umar also requested the engagement of an interpreter to facilitate communication with the council, showcasing the importance of inclusive communication.
Additionally, he introduced Muhammed Sani, who will represent the deaf association at the sports council.
In response, Director, George Shitta expressed joy for the visit and assured Umar of his maximum support and cooperation.
He highlighted the participation of a deaf footballer from Taraba at the national level and expressed pride in the state’s potential in deaf sports.
Shitta acknowledged the need for an interpreter and promised to hire one for improved communication.
He also encouraged the deaf sports association to engage in other sports such as Badminton and Table Tennis, expressing the Sports Council’s readiness to partner with them for the development of sports in Taraba State.
According to the Director, during the last National Council of Sport meeting held in Enugu, it was resolved that deaf people will participate in the next National Sports Festival scheduled to take place in Ogun state.
He said the deaf people are part of sports and have a lot to contribute to sports development in the state, and assured that the state will form a formidable deaf team that will make it proud at the forthcoming National event in Enugu.
The Director of Sports Council, George Shitta welcomed the representative of the deaf sports association, Muhammed Sani, described him as a liaising officer between the council and the association, and assured him of their readiness to work together.
Chairman of Taraba State Deaf Sports Association, Abubakar Abdulrazak, thanked Governor Agbu Kefas for prioritizing the education sector and also expressed gratitude to the Director of Sports Council for their hospitality and cooperation.
He affirmed the association’s commitment to partnering with the council for the development of sports in Taraba State.
Report By Sani Sulaiman
