The Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation has officially commenced the distribution of 1,000 complimentary hearing aids to individuals with hearing impairments across the South-East region of Nigeria.
This humanitarian outreach, launched in collaboration with the Abia State Government and the Starkey Hearing Foundation, was themed “So Nigerians May Hear”. The initiative was flagged off in Umuahia under the project title “2025 Sound Intervention Hearing Mission.”
Speaking at the launch, former President Olusegun Obasanjo highlighted the transformative potential of hearing aids, describing them as small yet life-changing tools that can significantly improve the lives of the hearing-impaired. He stressed that many people may unknowingly suffer from hearing loss and emphasized the importance of routine auditory checkups.
Obasanjo shared a personal experience from a Clinton Foundation program, where he discovered—through a hearing test conducted by a Starkey representative—that he was 25% deaf. This discovery served as a personal wake-up call and reinforced his commitment to hearing health.
He advised state governments to invest in training local experts to conduct hearing assessments, manage equipment maintenance, and offer technical support for beneficiaries. According to him, hearing aids require ongoing care, and hearing loss, if not monitored, may worsen with time.
He also dismissed the societal stigma surrounding hearing loss, stating that early recognition and management are key to achieving a better quality of life.
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State commended the Foundation’s efforts, describing the project as a “life-altering intervention.” He noted that beneficiaries were meticulously selected through professional evaluations to ensure that those most in need received the support.
Governor Otti reaffirmed his government’s commitment to inclusive healthcare and encouraged other organizations to partner in similar outreach efforts for underserved communities.
The Foundation’s Coordinator, Dr. Olalekan Makinde, expressed gratitude for the support received from partners and emphasized that the mission is anchored on service to God and humanity. He noted with satisfaction that numerous individuals have already regained their hearing abilities thanks to the initiative.
Medical expert Prof. Basil Ezeanolue underscored the importance of public awareness regarding hearing health. He noted that most causes of hearing loss are preventable and urged Nigerians to take proactive measures to safeguard their hearing from infancy to old age.
Among the beneficiaries was Miss Okechukwu Ugwu from Enugu State, who shared her story of traveling to Abia after being diagnosed with partial hearing loss. She received hearing aids during the mission and reported a remarkable improvement in her hearing ability, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the Foundation for changing her life.
This campaign by the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation stands as a beacon of hope for many and reinforces the need for continued support for healthcare interventions that uplift vulnerable populations.
