In a move that underscores his commitment to deploying technology for good, Nigerian-born tech innovator, Hanu Fejiro Agbodjie, has donated AI-powered smart glasses to hearing-impaired Nigerians, as part of efforts at expanding access to opportunities and social inclusion for persons living with disabilities.

The early beneficiaries — Joylyn Oge Jacobson, a video production assistant based in Lagos; and Sodiq Olopade, a student of Bayero University, Kano — received the innovative hearing aids in company of their relatives in Lagos.

With a 270-degree speech recognition range, the AI smart glasses are designed to capture spoken conversations and ambient sounds happening around the user, transcribing them in real time into readable text that are displayed on the lenses, without requiring sign language interpreters or lip-reading.

The Innovative glasses come in an ergonomic lightweight design that makes them comfortable for all-day use, while operating via Bluetooth connectivity and a mobile application that allows for user customisation and software updates.

Speaking on the initiative, Hanu said that the gesture goes beyond giving out glasses, but more about advancing what technology is expected to do.

“Today represents what’s possible when technology meets purpose. We are entering a world of accelerated growth with AI and I believe there has never been a better time than today, to build a world where disability is no longer a permanent sentence; a future where limitations are not defined by the body or circumstances you are born with, but by how bold we are in building solutions with today’s technology.

“I believe technology should give people a second chance at living freely, and fully.

He continued. “I believe technology can restore dignity, independence, and access to possibilities. Today, that future starts with Joylyn and Sodiq,” he stated

For Joylyn, who works behind the scenes in the creative industry as a video production assistant and content creator, everyday conversations have often been exhausting and isolating.

“I miss out on instructions, jokes, and even simple interactions at work because I can’t always hear clearly. And it’s been truly difficult, especially with my clients and in relationships. But with these glasses, I can actually see conversations happening around me. This changes how I work, how I relate with people, and how confident I feel. I’m so happy”, she said.

Sodiq, who is pursuing his studies at Bayero University, described the device as life-changing: “As a student, not hearing clearly affects lectures, group discussions, and friendships. These glasses make me feel included again. I can follow conversations without embarrassment r dependence on others. It’s going to help very much. It will make communication much better”, he said.

Family members of the recipients also expressed relief and optimism, noting the emotional toll hearing impairment often takes.

“We have watched Joylyn struggle silently for years, withdrawing more inward and away from socializing. This is more than a device; it is freedom and confidence returning to her life”, Christiana, Joylyn’s cousin said.

Medical professionals have also endorsed the innovation. Dr. James Nnowaluem, who coordinated the outreach exercise described the smart glasses as a breakthrough in assistive technology. “Hearing loss is not just a medical condition; it affects mental health, productivity, and social belonging. This devise will bridge the communication gap in real time and significantly improve quality of life”, he noted.

Dr. Johnson Ukeje, an E.N.T. specialist, added that the AI glasses complement traditional hearing solutions: “Not everyone benefits fully from hearing aids, this real-time transcription technology offers a reliable path to inclusion for the hearing impaired in our environments”, he said.

On his part, K.D. Ibitoye, a clinical audiologist, expressed his belief that many people with profound hearing loss will benefit greatly from the innovation.

The donor, Hanu revealed that the donation is aimed at improving the quality of life for the beneficiaries. He reaffirmed his intention to continue investing in tech-driven innovations and deploying such for good, stressing that innovation must be measured by impact on relationships, employability, and overall social inclusion, not just in terms of money, mobile applications, and social media.

•PHOTO, From left: Co-ordinator of the initiative, Dr. James Nnowaluem; first and second beneficiaries, Joylyn Jacobson and Sodiq Olopade; and Marianna Orji at the presentation of the AI-smart glasses

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