A fresh wave of relief has arrived for Nigerian families, as Saudi Arabia has rolled out a major hearing-restoration initiative for children living with severe hearing impairment.
Through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief), the Kingdom has introduced a specialised cochlear implant and rehabilitation programme in Nigeria, giving children access to free surgeries many families could never afford on their own.Launched at the National Hospital in Abuja, the project plans to complete 30 cochlear implant surgeries, alongside full post-care support which includes diagnosis, activation, follow-up sessions, auditory training and speech rehabilitation.
During the event, Saad bin Fahd Al-Marri, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Nigeria, stated that the intervention is part of the country’s long-standing commitment to helping vulnerable groups and strengthening health systems in partnering nations. He emphasised that this programme stands among Saudi Arabia’s most significant medical humanitarian initiatives in Nigeria, one capable of transforming the futures of children who have lived in silence for years.He added that the effort continues KSRelief’s ongoing humanitarian work across Africa, from medical missions to disease-control campaigns and emergency support.
Parents share emotional reliefFor many parents, the programme has eased years of pain, effort, and financial struggle.Oluchi Olanipekun, whose five-year-old daughter Feyikumi received an implant, described the moment as life-changing.
“She had never heard since infancy, and it has been a long journey,” she said with tears held back.
“When this opportunity came, we saw a new chance for her to speak, to hear, to interact like other children.”
She recalled noticing the problem early, Feyikumi didn’t respond when called, nor to loud sounds. Several tests later, the diagnosis was confirmed. Though the implant was activated only recently, her mother is hopeful that soon they will begin to witness progress.
Her daughter could write and understand basic learning, but speech and communication were nearly impossible.
“She attended regular school, but verbal interaction wasn’t there. At home, we created signs everyone understood, when she wanted water, food, or needed something. It was emotionally draining, yet we managed. This free surgery is beyond what we could ever pay for. It has brought us comfort and hope.”
Nigeria has an estimated 8.5 million people dealing with hearing loss, including nearly six out of every 1,000 newborns. Preventable causes such as infections, noise exposure, and limited medical access continue to worsen the situation.
