Obinna Ekujereonye is a prominent Nigerian disability rights advocate, visually impaired activist, and former Chairman of the Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB), Abuja Chapter. Based in Abuja, he advocates for inclusive education, disability rights, and improved infrastructure for persons with disabilities (PWDs). Key details regarding Obinna Ekujereonye include:
- Leadership & Advocacy: He is a board member of the Voice PWD CoP Network and has served as Executive Director of the Disability Advancement Initiative. He frequently advocates for the enforcement of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act.
- Focus Areas: Ekujereonye has pushed for increased funding for the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, advocated against trafficking of PWDs, and sought toll-free reporting lines for abuses.
- Accessibility Initiatives: He advocates for the use of assistive technology—such as screen readers, ‘Be My Eyes’, and ‘Lookout’—to foster independence, particularly in navigating environments like Abuja.
- Public Voice: He is a vocal advocate, often appearing on radio and in local media to discuss issues such as white cane safety, disability-inclusive budgeting, and calling for accountability regarding corruption that impacts social welfare programs.
He is recognized for his commitment to ensuring disability inclusion goes beyond awareness into practical, structural implementation.
Key Professional Roles and Advocacy
- Chairman, Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB), FCT Chapter: He has served as the Chairman of the NAB Abuja chapter, leading advocacy efforts for accessibility and inclusion.
- Disability Rights Advocate: He frequently calls on the federal government to ensure public buildings are accessible to persons with disabilities, often engaging with bodies like the Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).
- White Cane Advocacy: He has been a vocal advocate for the significance of the white cane, describing it as a symbol of power and safety for the visually impaired on International White Cane Day.
- Visibility & Inclusion: He has been featured in campaigns highlighting the daily experiences, challenges, and resilience of visually impaired persons in Nigeria, including through HumAngle Media and various advocacy platforms.
Public Impact
- He is recognized for breaking down stereotypes regarding disability and promoting inclusive policies in public spaces.
- He has worked closely with other advocacy groups, including JONAPWD (Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities) and various NGOs.