The Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) in partnership with the MasterCard Foundation, has donated hearing aids to persons living with hearing impairments under its WOFAN ICON2 project.
During the flag-off of the first batch of 50 devices in Abuja on Wednesday, WOFAN-ICON2 project country director, Dr Salamatu Garba expressed delight over the life-changing impact the initiative is having on recipients.
She noted that many of those to benefit had battled with hearing loss either from birth, early childhood, or adulthood, with some losing jobs and hope due to their condition.
“There’s nothing more heartwarming than seeing people who thought life was worthless respond to conversations because they can now hear.
Hearing aids are extremely expensive, and for many, even after hospital screening, they can not afford to buy them.
With support from the MasterCard Foundation, we will be providing 1,100 hearing aids across our project states, “she noted.
In his remarks, the business development manager, Mr Taiwo Olawale, explained that the distribution process now includes same-day screening, fitting, and training, conducted alongside Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists to ensure correct specification, proper use and maintenance of the hearing gadgets.
She stressed that the project prioritises inclusivity, targeting not just women but women of all statuses, including those living with disabilities such as visual impairments and albinism.
ENT specialist at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Dr Munir Anka, highlighted the rehabilitation focus of the initiative.
According to him, beneficiaries were recruited from across Nigeria, screened, clinically examined, and subjected to audiological tests before being deemed fit for the hearing aids.
“Some were born deaf, while others lost their hearing later in life. Both groups can benefit from these devices depending on screening results,” Anka said.
He noted that the chosen rechargeable hearing aid model is more cost-effective and sustainable, especially for unemployed beneficiaries who cannot afford regular battery purchases.
The MasterCard Foundation’s broader goal is to work with 30 million youths in Africa, including 10 million in Nigeria of which 1 million youths with disability will benefit from various ongoing schemes thereby ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left behind in empowerment programmes.
With the launch of the hearing aid distribution, WOFAN said it is not only restoring sound to the lives of beneficiaries but also reigniting hope for their future participation in social and economic activities.
Chairman of WOFAN technical board, Professor Sani Miko outlined that the programme is timely, noting that the beneficiaries were challenged to acquire the hearing aid because of the resources.
“This programme is really coming at a very good time, and by using this tool, it will help to bridge the gap in terms of communication. It also improves the lives of the people and even raises the dignity of those using these tools.
We want to use this opportunity to express our gratitude to the donors of this aids to you, particularly the MasterCard Foundation through the WOFAN ICON2 project, we hope and believe the beneficiaries of this tool will have a change in their life cycle and also improve their chances of running a normal life in the society.
We thank the entire project team and communities especially the community facilitators that stimulated positive actions for this laudable support issue, taking very cogent measures to involve even people that have some special needs in supporting smallholder farmers as they move within the country. This is a very rare opportunity to get this support”, he noted.
One of the beneficiaries, Precious Usman while expressing happiness for receiving a hearing aid, said she can now hear with the help of the hearing aid.
She thanked WOFAN and Master Card Foundation for remembering persons living with disabilities who need to go to their farms and produce food for the country and for their families.
