Amanze Chinonye
Nigerian-born tech innovator, Hanu Fejiro Agbodjie, has donated AI-powered smart glasses to hearing-impaired Nigerians, reinforcing his commitment to using technology to promote social inclusion and expand opportunities for persons living with disabilities, Prime Business Africa reports.
The donation, carried out in Lagos on Friday, benefited two early recipients: Joylyn Oge Jacobson, a Lagos-based video production assistant and content creator, and Sodiq Olopade, a student of Bayero University, Kano. The beneficiaries received the devices in the presence of their relatives.
The AI-powered smart glasses are equipped with a 270-degree speech recognition range, enabling users to capture spoken conversations and surrounding sounds. The technology transcribes speech in real time into readable text displayed directly on the lenses, reducing dependence on sign language interpreters or lip-reading.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelDesigned with a lightweight, ergonomic frame for all-day comfort, the glasses operate via Bluetooth and are supported by a mobile application that allows for customisation and software updates.
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Speaking on the initiative, Agbodjie said the donation reflects his belief that technology should go beyond innovation for profit to serve a higher social purpose.
“Today represents what’s possible when technology meets purpose. We are entering a world of accelerated growth with AI, and there has never been a better time to build a future where disability is no longer a permanent sentence,” he said. “Technology should restore dignity, independence, and access to possibilities.”
Joylyn described the device as transformative for her professional and social life, noting that hearing challenges had often made workplace interactions difficult.
“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,” she said.
Sodiq also described the innovation as life-changing, particularly in an academic environment. “As a student, not hearing clearly affects lectures, group discussions, and friendships. These glasses make me feel included again and improve communication significantly,” he said.
Family members of the beneficiaries expressed optimism, highlighting the emotional and social impact of hearing impairment. Joylyn’s cousin, Christiana, said the device represents “freedom and confidence returning to her life.”
Medical professionals involved in the outreach also endorsed the innovation. Dr. James Nnowaluem, who coordinated the exercise, described the glasses as a breakthrough in assistive technology, noting that hearing loss affects mental health, productivity, and social belonging.
An E.N.T. specialist, Dr. Johnson Ukeje, said the technology complements traditional hearing aids, particularly for individuals who do not benefit fully from conventional solutions. Clinical audiologist K.D. Ibitoye added that people with profound hearing loss stand to gain significantly from real-time transcription technology.
Agbodjie said the donation is part of a broader vision to deploy technology for social good. He reaffirmed his intention to continue investing in tech-driven innovations, stressing that true innovation should be measured by its impact on quality of life, employability, and social inclusion rather than financial returns alone.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
