JOY was visibly written on the faces of deaf and dumb members of the Christian Mission for the Deaf Church, Somolu, Lagos at the foundation- laying ceremony of the Christian Mission for the Deaf Centre, which was  performed by the Lord Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, Rt. Rev. James Odedeji.

  Speaking during the ceremony, Odedeji said it was normal to give them a befitting structure as members of the society and the church.  

  Commenting on the structure, which was the first of its kind in Nigeria, Odedeji lauded the efforts of the members of the Christian Mission for the Deaf in Lagos and other state branches,  members of the Good Shepherd Society of the Archbishop Vinning Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja (AVM) and members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) (Somolu Auxiliary)  for their good work.  He said  the church should continue to play the role of giving the less-privileged in the society, a sense of belonging and at the same time, continue to embark on projects that would always put smiles on their faces.

  “I commend the efforts of those that are putting up this gigantic structure, which is aimed at giving a befitting place of worship to those who can neither hear nor speak.

“We can all see that they are happy and my admonition is that the church can still do more.  We have started a good work, which by the grace of God, I believe would be accomplished” he said.

  The Chairman, Board of Elders of the Church Mission for the Deaf, Elder Amos Akeju, said the foundation-laying ceremony marked a new chapter in the history of the deaf not only in Nigeria but also on the continent of Africa.

“There has been nowhere in Africa where what we are gathering here to do today for has ever taken place.  It is the miraculous work of God to see that the gospel of salvation is proclaimed and everyone including the deaf mandated to hear.

“The Christian Mission for the Deaf started its work in Nigeria in 1960 while the Lagos Mission was planted in 1970 and for 30 years was within the premises of the Evangelical Church of West Africa Guest House, Yaba. 

“This site was acquired since 2005.  We were, however privileged to have in our church one Sunday, the former and the late President of the Good Shepherd Society of AVM, Sir IKV Ezeonyido, who on hearing of the announcement for the donation of this building, did not only donate but also went back to sell the idea to the Society. That is what is taking place today.  We are very grateful to the current President of the Society, Ossie Nwankwu and other executive members for their commitment towards this course,” he said.

Nwankwu said the society had to partner with the Mission as part of its effort to look after the less-privileged.  

  Former Executive Director, Missions and an Elder in ECWA Church, Silas Ngozi Eke said more than a million deaf people were in wandering on the streets of Lagos.