Civic Engagement and Political Participation: Preparing Deaf Youth for Inclusive Leadership in Northwest Nigeria

In fulfillment of a core civic engagement requirement of the Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship (EPLF) 2025, Mutari Liman, a Fellow of the Cohort and Co-Founder of the E2E Initiative, organized a groundbreaking activity titled “Emerging Deaf Leaders: Building Inclusive Political Futures in Northwest Nigeria.” Held virtually on Wednesday, 17th September 2025, this pioneering event was designed to empower Deaf youth across seven Northwestern states, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara, with civic knowledge, leadership skills, and a renewed sense of belonging in Nigeria’s democratic space.

For too long, Deaf youth have been excluded from civic and political life due to barriers in communication, lack of accessible information, and societal stereotypes. Yet, their passion for leadership and community impact remains undeniable. This project sought to address these gaps by providing not just knowledge, but also inspiration, reminding participants that disability is not inability, and that inclusive democracy cannot exist without their voices.

The Activity: Building Bridges Through Dialogue

The civic engagement took the form of a two-hour interactive webinar hosted under the E2E Initiative banner. It was the first-ever webinar of its kind under the EPLF 2025 civic engagement assignment, marking a historic milestone.

• Chief Host: Hon. Mutari Liman – EPLF Fellow & Co-Founder/Director, E2E Initiative
  
• Co-Host: Mr. Ibrahim Tukur – Advocate for Inclusive Governance
  
• Guest Speaker/Trainer: Hon. Ashiru Nagoma – Political Leader & Youth Participation Advocate
  

The session brought together 25 Deaf youth participants, alongside advocates and civic stakeholders. Through presentations, discussions, and a vibrant Q&A segment, the webinar explored:

• Inclusive Civic Engagement: Making democratic processes accessible through interpreters and tailored civic education.
  
• Pathways to Leadership: Strategies for Deaf youths to overcome exclusion and pursue leadership roles.
  
• Advocacy in Action: How participants can begin community-based initiatives to demand inclusion in governance.
  

Despite initial technical challenges, the energy was electric. Deaf participants eagerly shared their lived experiences, highlighting challenges such as the lack of interpreters at political gatherings, limited awareness campaigns accessible in sign language, and the stigma that continues to undermine their aspirations.

Measuring Impact: From Exclusion to Empowerment

The impact of the activity was immediate and measurable.

• 25 Deaf youths actively participated across seven Northwestern states.
  
• 1 Political Leader (Hon. Ashiru Nagoma) inspired participants with practical lessons on advocacy and leadership.
  
• 1 Co-Host (Ibrahim Tukur) kept discussions engaging and accessible.
  
• Interactive Engagement: Youths asked questions, shared challenges, and brainstormed ideas for advocacy in their communities.
  

For many participants, this was their first opportunity to discuss politics and leadership in an accessible format. The energy in the virtual room was filled with hope and determination as Deaf youths recognized their right and ability to influence governance. Several made commitments to start local advocacy campaigns, while others pledged to share lessons with peers in their Deaf communities.

Key Outcomes

The webinar delivered several important outcomes:

1. Awareness and Confidence: Deaf youth gained knowledge about civic responsibilities and leadership, strengthening their confidence to participate.
   
2. Commitment to Action: Participants left the webinar inspired to advocate for inclusive governance within their communities.
   
3. Visibility and Voice: The event amplified the importance of including persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s democratic processes, making their voices visible in civic spaces.
   
4. Proof of Possibility: By hosting the first Deaf-centered civic engagement under EPLF, the activity demonstrated that inclusive platforms are both possible and impactful.
   

Lessons Learnt

Several lessons emerged from the activity:

• Accessibility is Non-Negotiable: Deaf youths are eager to participate in politics when given access through interpreters and inclusive civic education.
  
• Digital Platforms as Equalizers: Online webinars can bridge geographic divides, connecting marginalized groups across wide regions.
  
• Representation Matters: Deaf youths are more inspired when they see role models and advocates affirming their capacity for leadership.
  
• Partnerships Drive Impact: Collaboration with institutions like EPLF and civic organizations builds credibility and expands reach.
  

Recommendations

1. Include Interpreters in Every Civic Platform: Accessibility must be prioritized by political parties, electoral bodies, and civic organizations.
   
2. Tailor Leadership Training to Persons with Disabilities: More platforms should specifically focus on marginalized youth groups.
   
3. Voter Education for Deaf Youths: Electoral commissions should design campaigns accessible in sign language.
   
4. Sustained Mentorship Pipelines: Continuous online and offline mentorship will ensure that Deaf youths transition from participants to active leaders.
   

Next Steps

Mutari Liman is committed to scaling this initiative. The next steps include:

• Organizing follow-up leadership training, both virtual and physical, for Deaf youths.
  
• Developing a policy brief from webinar insights to present to local government stakeholders.
  
• Strengthening partnerships with EPLF, Bridge Leadership Foundation, and advocacy organizations to sustain momentum.
  
• Planning a 2026 Regional Deaf Youth Leadership Summit, which will expand this vision beyond webinars into large-scale physical convenings.
  

Conclusion

The Emerging Deaf Leaders civic engagement activity reaffirmed a profound truth: Nigeria’s democracy will only be complete when it is inclusive. Deaf youths are not passive observers, they are passionate, capable, and determined to lead. What they need are accessible platforms, supportive networks, and sustained opportunities to translate their dreams into action.

Through this initiative, Mutari Liman and the EPLF Fellowship 2025 have lit a spark that has the potential to grow into a movement, one that ensures every young person, regardless of ability, can shape the future of governance. Their voices matter. Their leadership is valid. And their participation is essential in building an inclusive Nigeria.