FG Orders Tv stations In Nigeria To Feature Sign Language Interpreters.
The Minister for information and culture in Nigeria Lai
Mohammed has said that his ministry will be directing the Nigerian Broadcasting
Commission to pressure both public and private television stations to feature
sign language interpreters during their major news presentations.
The information minister said this on Thursday, October
14 in Abuja while he was speaking at the 2021 Annual lecture of the Federal
Radio Corporation Of Nigeria. (FRCN)
It was after a participant commented that the deaf are been
excluded by the media that the minister made this promise.
She
said;
“Only the Nigeria
Television Authority (NTA) has a sign language interpreter during one of its
news hours.
“In the other media
platforms, there are no sign language interpreters even in the healthcare
sector, no sign language in Nigerian hospitals.
“So, what happens to
deaf people when they are reading news and when they are sick and go to the hospital.
“Does it mean that we are not entitled to information
and healthcare? The government needs to look into this."
Reacting to this, Mohammed said;
“I am very touched
by the contribution of the young lady who said there is a need for sign
interpreters during the network news and other major news belts.
“I am going to ask the
NBC to direct all our television stations to ensure that there are sign
interpreters in all television stations during their major news hours.
“This will not apply to
only the Nigeria Television Authority, whether public or private television
stations, they must comply with the directive.
“This directive will work both ways, it means the
complaint of exclusion will be tackled and the persons with disability of
hearing will also be included in programs and policies of the government."
