The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), Major General Maxwell Dangana, on Wednesday, 2 September 2026, received the Chairman of the Plateau State Association of the Deaf (PAD), Mr Satzen Boniface Longpan, and members of his delegation during a courtesy visit to Headquarters 3 Division, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos.
This was contained in a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olumide Victor Olukoya Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations3 Division Nigerian Armymade available to newsmen.
Speaking during the visit, the Chairman expressed appreciation to the GOC for granting the delegation the opportunity to interact with the Division. He also commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their sacrifices, dedication and commitment towards maintaining peace and security in Plateau State and beyond.
Mr Longpan explained that the Plateau State Association of the Deaf is a non-profit, non-religious and apolitical organisation established in 1989 under the visionary leadership of the late Baba Ezekiel Sambo, alongside other concerned members of the Deaf community. He prayed for the continued peaceful repose of the souls of the association’s departed members.
He noted that PAD serves as the umbrella body for Deaf persons and organisations across Plateau State. According to him, the association is affiliated with the Nigerian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) and collaborates with the Plateau State Disability Rights Commission in advancing the rights and welfare of persons with hearing impairment.
The Chairman further highlighted the association’s core objectives, which include advocating for the rights, freedom of choice and equal opportunities of Deaf persons in all spheres of life. He added that PAD is also advocating for the establishment of sign language interpreter directories across critical sectors, including education, healthcare, financial institutions and security agencies.
He disclosed that the association also promotes the establishment of educational, vocational and technological training programmes aimed at equipping Deaf persons with relevant skills and improving their capacity to contribute meaningfully to society.
Responding on behalf of the GOC, the Chief of Staff, Headquarters 3 Division, Brigadier General Tosin Ayoola, appreciated the Chairman and members of the association for the visit. He commended PAD for its advocacy efforts, commitment to inclusiveness and desire to foster better understanding and cooperation between security agencies and persons living with disabilities.
Brigadier General Ayoola particularly acknowledged the association’s advocacy for the wider use of sign language and its request for Nigerian Army personnel to receive basic training in sign language. He noted that such training would enhance effective communication between security personnel and members of the Deaf while also reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings, particularly at military checkpoints and other security locations.
He assured the delegation that their requests would be conveyed to the GOC and other relevant authorities for consideration. He further reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sensitising its officers and soldiers on appropriate engagement with persons living with disabilities, stressing the need to ensure that no individual is subjected to unnecessary harassment or maltreatment.
The visit provided an opportunity to further strengthen the relationship between the Nigerian Army and the Deaf community in Plateau State, while highlighting the importance of inclusiveness, effective communication and mutual understanding in sustaining peaceful coexistence.
Highlights of the visit included the presentation of souvenirs and a group photograph.
