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By Alexander Ogheneruemu
In this part of the world, reaching the golden age of 70 is always a significant milestone, and it gets even more remarkable when you have stood out for sustained, positive impact on other lives – leaving society better than you met it.
The foregoing holds true for Deaconess Mrs. Adedoyin Beyioku-Alase (aka Mama Deaf), who on Sunday, January 12, 2025 hit the celebrated seven decades earthly sojourn – amidst outpour of tributes from family, friends and well-wishers.
A well attended thanksgiving service held at The Intercessors Victory Bible Church in Meiran suburbs of Lagos was the spotlight of celebrations marking the legacies and achievements of the trailblazing septuagenarian.
Evangelist Mrs. Peace Jonathan, founder of The Intercessors Ministry, and a close friend of the celebrant opened the floodgate of tributes with a stirring homily anchored in the lyrics of one of Christendom’s most famous remembrance hymns “Only remembered by what we have done”. In a marked departure from the traditional posthumous usage of the hymn, the officiating minister observed that ‘tributes are best given during one’s lifetime’.
There was palpable mix of rapturous and somber emotions in the gathering as sacred lyrics of the four-stanza hymn resounded across the church auditorium.
For the fertile imagination, the moment brought up images of the earthly sojourn of mortals, the toils of selfless service to humanity, and hopes of future rewards beyond the pearly gates.
“Fading away like the stars of the morning
Losing their light in the glorious sun
Thus would we pass from the earth and its toiling
Only remembered by what we have done…”
“Oh, when the Saviour shall make up His jewels
When the bright crowns of rejoicing are worn
Then shall His weary and faithful disciples
All be remembered by what they have done”
The clergy, during the sermon cast a panoramic view of the celebrant’s impactful life within the church and beyond – urging the audience to emulate her.
She said: “Mama has made impact on lives, mama has made impact in this church, and I’m happy to acknowledge her impact in her lifetime. As your pastor, I am here to testify to who you are.”
She went twenty years down memory lane to inspire the congregation with sketchy narratives of how their paths first crossed in 2005. She would use that to highlight how seeds sown over the years through Mama’s tireless commitment to a ministry for disability, especially for Deaf women, has continued to blossom.
She said: “For eight years, she was the women leader of this church. Mama does not allow deafness stand in the way of her usefulness, rather she has used it to bring about good outcomes. You will be celebrated the world over.”
Following the tribute-sermon from Evangelist Mrs. Jonathan, family members, close friends and well-wishers took turns to eulogize the virtues of the celebrant. Dr Gabriel Soje harped on Mama Deaf’s courage and influence.
He said: ‘Mama made a difference by lifting up Deaf women who couldn’t stand.”
Mrs. Dami Olakulehin, secretary general of the Deaf Women Association of Nigeria (DWAN) brimmed with emotions as she praised Mama Deaf’s selfless sacrifices for the association’s development and continuity.
Her words: ‘Mama used her personal money to keep the association going.” The celebrant was further described as a ’counselor’, ‘a successful mother’, ‘a woman with a great vision’, etc.
The tributes were followed with goodwill prayers and wishes for the years ahead.
Gratitude
While acknowledging her pastor’s tribute, the celebrant expressed gratitude for their enduring friendship over the years as well as the pivotal role her church had played in her life.
According to Mama Deaf, her pastor, Evangelist Mrs. Jonathan has been a true model of disability inclusiveness in church space.
She noted that The Intercessors Victory Bible Church is a sanctuary where everyone is someone. ‘This is my church, I asked God, and He gave me a true friend and family in this church. I will never leave here. I will never forget that you stood by me all through and never allowed my deafness to come between our friendship.”
History will hold kind memories of Mama Deaf as the courageous champion who, at a time when the place of the Deaf woman in Nigeria was virtually non-existent stepped in to redefine the trajectory.
The beginning
It all began at a leadership conference in Jos, Plateau State in 2001. Feminine voices were all missing at that event until Mama rose up to the challenge – and from that time, there was no looking back.
A daring trailblazer, she went on to carve an illustrious path of selfless service to a cause she wholeheartedly believes in, viz advocating for the rights of disabled women and girls – leaving a lingering legacy.
A renowned disability rights champion, Mama Deaf pioneered the Deaf Women Association of Nigeria (DWAN) that has over the years grown into a reckoning force for emancipation of Deaf women and girls in Nigeria from shackles of discrimination and other vices.
Beyond DWAN, mama’s disability advocate’s work has seen her serve as chairperson of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), Lagos chapter, for eight years.
She was Vice Chair, Disability Policy Advocacy Initiative, National Women Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC) PWDs support Group. She has also been on the Board of Trustees, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs. At each turn of the road, she has made remarkable impact.
Mama Deaf’s sterling contribution to promoting the welfare of persons with disabilities has earned her outstanding recognitions. Amongst these, Access Ability Model by the Sweden Embassy in Nigeria and the National Human Rights Commission.
In 2017, she was distinguished lecturer for STAND-U at the Nigeria independence anniversary lectures held at Gallaudet university, Washington DC, New York, USA.
Mama Deaf’s main vision remains to strive for Deaf friendly and inclusive society that guarantees full participation and equality for Deaf women and girls. DWAN continues to sustain that vision.TORRENT OF TRIBUTES AS MAMA DEAF CLOCKS 70
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