The deaf community in Yobe has raised concerns over health risks faced by its members due to the absence of sign language interpreters in hospitals across the state.

Kolo Abba, chairman of the Deaf Cluster in Damaturu LGA, said patients who are deaf often struggle to understand doctors’ prescriptions and medical instructions, exposing them to preventable dangers.

Mr Abba spoke through an interpreter on Thursday during a citizens and stakeholders’ engagement in preparation for the 2026 budget dialogue organised to enhance effective service delivery.

He said the lack of interpreters in hospitals symbolised the wider neglect of deaf persons in the state.

He added that urgent measures were needed to guarantee their access to basic services.

“Our problem is not only about health. We also have just one special school in the entire state, and many children are left out. We need a standard senior secondary school for the deaf,” he said.

Mr Abba further appealed for the inclusion of interpreters in government programs and public events, to ensure that information on policies and opportunities reaches the deaf community.

He also urged the government to support members of the cluster with start–up capital, stressing that many of them wished to go into business but lacked the financial base.

In the same development, Baba Kucici, secretary of Yobe Civil Society Organisations, also presented a consolidated list of citizens’ demands at the meeting.

He noted the need for the government to establish a direct feedback mechanism for monitoring projects and programmes, saying such a mechanism would enhance accountability and public trust.

Mr Kucici added that the participation of National Assembly members in the budget dialogue was necessary to ensure that issues with federal implications received attention at the national level.

(NAN)