By Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe

The Association of Deaf Muslim Women in Nigeria (ADMUN) on its 12th National Islamic Training Camp in Gombe State has make a strong appeal for inclusive policies and greater support for women with hearing impairments across the country.

The three-day camp, themed “Empowering Deaf Muslim Women Through Faith, Knowledge, and Unity”, was organized in collaboration with the Coalition of Muslim Women Organizations in Gombe State. It brought together participants from across several states, creating a platform for spiritual growth, dialogue, and empowerment.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Aisha Abubakar Kumo, Chairperson of the Muslim Sisters Organization (MSO), Gombe Chapter, and a lecturer at the Department of Religious Studies, Gombe State University, stressed the importance of developing sign language learning tools to enhance communication and access to education for deaf individuals.

She further called for legislation that criminalizes discrimination against persons with disabilities, lamenting that many deaf individuals in Nigeria still face barriers to both Islamic and Western education.

Dr. Aisha also criticized the absence of several invited dignitaries, describing it as unfortunate especially if their absence stemmed from bias against persons with disabilities.

Also speaking at the event, Dr. Dawud Muhammad commended ADMUN’s commitment to empowering deaf Muslim women.

He advocated for the integration of sign language and visual aids in mosques, particularly during Friday sermons, to ensure inclusive religious participation.

In her remarks, ADMUN National President, Malama Hajarat Nasir Makarfi, said the aim of the camp was to provide religious education and personal development opportunities for deaf Muslim women.

She highlighted ongoing challenges, including limited access to formal education, exclusion from community life, and high unemployment rates.

Malama Hajarat appealed for the establishment of scholarship schemes, vocational training centers, and targeted interventions to support the welfare and livelihoods of deaf women.

She called on government agencies and philanthropic organizations to provide consistent funding and logistical support to sustain ADMUN’s nationwide initiatives.

Hajiya Aishatu Salisu Abdullahi, a senior member of ADMUN, thanked scholars, community leaders, and volunteers for their continued support. Reflecting on the group’s journey since its founding in 1992, she noted that ADMUN has spent over three decades advocating for the rights and inclusion of deaf Muslim women across Nigeria.

Delegates from Gombe (the host state), Kaduna, Plateau, Borno, Bauchi, Abuja, Nasarawa, and Kwara states were among those in attendance.

By Our Correspondent

Ambassador Comrade Isa Sulaiman (Barkama), the North-East Zonal Ambassador for Sickle Cell Patients, has thrown his weight behind renowned philanthropist and international businessman, Alhaji Abdulkadir Hamma Saleh, as the best choice to lead Gombe State come 2027.

In a strongly worded statement, Comrade Isa described Hamma Saleh as a man who has dedicated his time, resources, and life to the service of the people of Gombe. According to him, Hamma Saleh is not only a respected philanthropist but also an accomplished businessman who has made significant contributions to the socio-economic development of the state.

“Alhaji Abdulkadir Hamma Saleh is a man who cares deeply for others, always present for the needy, and a leader whose exemplary character is worth emulating,” Isa said. “He has spent millions of naira on the welfare of his people across Gombe State, invested in the aviation sector for many years as CEO of Hamsal Airlines, and contributed immensely to infrastructure development as a constructor.”

Comrade Isa also noted that Hamma Saleh has been a consistent supporter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) since its formation, maintaining cordial relationships with youths, women, elders, and traditional rulers alike.

Political analysts, according to Isa, believe that if the PDP fields Hamma Saleh as its gubernatorial candidate in 2027, the party will enjoy overwhelming acceptance from all segments of Gombe society.

“This is not just about political parties,” Isa stressed. “It is about competence, vision, and the ability to deliver. With Hamma Saleh at the helm, Gombe will progress, attract foreign investors, and achieve human capital development. The state could become one of the best in Nigeria.”

He urged the PDP to “choose a leader who knows the road” during its primaries, describing 2027 as a great opportunity for the good people of Gombe to unite behind a capable leader.

By Our Correspondent

In an extraordinary display of brilliance and linguistic mastery, 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullah Aminu from Yobe State has stunned the world by emerging as the best English language performer globally at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London, United Kingdom.

Nafisa, a student of Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC), Yobe, outshone over 20,000 students from 69 countries, including native English-speaking nations like the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia. Her outstanding achievement is now sparking national debate and a growing demand for official recognition by the Nigerian government.

A National Treasure Deserving National Honour

Nafisa’s triumph is a testament to what is possible when talent meets opportunity, discipline, and the right support system. Her success has stirred a wave of pride among Nigerians and reignited conversations around the value of education in shaping the nation’s future.

Many Nigerians are now calling on the federal government to reward Nafisa with $100,000, a three-bedroom flat, and a national honour, preferably the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) — a recognition previously given to athletes following major international victories.

This sentiment mirrors what happened earlier this year when the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s women’s football team, were rewarded with $100,000, a flat each, and national honours following their historic win at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Similarly, the D’Tigress, Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, received significant rewards after clinching their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title and qualifying for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournament.

“What Is Good for the Goose Is Good for the Gander”

Educational advocates, civil society leaders, and citizens alike argue that academic excellence should be celebrated on the same level as sports victories. “If our athletes can be honoured for lifting the nation’s name high, then so should a young student who conquered the world using the English language — a global skill,” one education activist said.

They are also urging the federal government to invite Nafisa and her English teacher to the State House, recognising both their efforts, similar to how coaching crews are celebrated in the sporting world.

Education as the Passport to the Future

Nafisa’s victory sends a clear message — that with the right environment, Nigerian students can compete and win on the global stage. Her success is not just personal; it is symbolic of what Nigeria stands to gain if it invests seriously in its educational sector.

“Education is the passport to the future, and tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today,” one passionate supporter said. “We must reward our best minds just as we do with our best athletes. Nafisa has done what many believed was impossible.”

As calls grow louder, all eyes are now on the Presidency and the Ministry of Education. Will the nation honour a girl who has become a symbol of hope, excellence, and Nigeria’s potential on the world stage?

For now, Nigerians continue to beam with pride and hope that the government will do the needful — because truly, Nafisa deserves it all.