Nigerian Urged to Support Deaf Artists Ahead of AADA Festival
Sunday Ehigiator
Nigerians have been urged to show greater support for persons living with disabilities, especially members of the Deaf community, ahead of the forthcoming All Africa Deaf Arts Festival (AADA Festival) 4.0 scheduled for December 1 to 6, 2025, in Oyo and Ibadan, Oyo State.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, disability inclusion advocate, Dr. Marian Akran, said the deaf community remains one of Africa’s most vibrant artistic groups yet continues to face widespread exclusion. She stressed the need for accessible creative spaces where deaf individuals can participate, perform, and lead.
“Such access empowers them to communicate effectively and be fully understood. “We want deaf talents to be placed at the centre, not the margins. Inclusion must be lived, not proclaimed,” she stated.
Akran said increased opportunities would enable Deaf youths, who have long been restricted by systemic barriers, to gain mentorship, networks, and partnerships across the continent.
She commended the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs for its continued support and urged to strengthes Nigerians lcollective effort towardimproving the lives of persons with disabilities.
Akran also called on corporate organisations to open employment pathways for deaf individuals, noting that the government alone cannot address all the needs of the community.
Highlighting the significance of the annual arts festival, Akran said seeing deaf performers confidently express themselves on stage inspires younger deaf children and affirms their identity.
“AADA 4.0 is not charity; it is recognition of talent and identity, ensuring no artist is left behind,” she said.
The Executive Director of Seams Deaf Pro Foundation, Samuel Femi James, explained that AADA was created to dismantle barriers that limit deaf and disabled youths in the creative industry.
He noted that the challenge is not a lack of talent but a lack of access, mentorship, and growth opportunities.
“The festival exists to empower Deaf creative minds to build careers, gain visibility, and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s creative economy,” he said.
James outlined major activities for the 2025 edition, including week-long intensive workshops on visual and traditional arts, digital arts and new media, dance, drama, performance, creative leadership, and production.
Participants from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, and other African countries will attend sessions hosted at the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, the largest disability-focused institution in West Africa.
The grand finale, featuring exhibitions, film screenings, cultural showcases, and policy discussions on inclusion and accessibility, will be held at the Wole Soyinka Arts Theatre, University of Ibadan.
James appealed for greater corporate and individual support, saying every contribution directly transforms the lives and prospects of deaf youths.
He also urged the media to continue amplifying stories from the deaf creative sector to shape public awareness and policy reforms.
Other organisers, including Ade Oyeyipo and Banji Omotesho, echoed calls for an enabling environment for persons living with disabilities. Several Deaf dancers also expressed excitement about the festival and appealed for public support.
