By Stella Obi
A renewed push for inclusive education took center stage on Saturday as Joe Ezigbo, an Anambra-born Energy Expert and Licensed Distributor of Natural Gas and Liquefied Petroleum Gas, officially unveiled a dyslexia awareness foundation in Lagos.
The launch event, attended by educators, parents, and key stakeholders, marked the debut of the Joe Ezigbo Foundation, an initiative aimed at deepening understanding and strengthening support for individuals living with dyslexia across Nigeria.
Speaking at the unveiling, Prof. Ezigbo, a former lecturer at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, said the foundation was inspired by his personal experience raising a child with dyslexia. He explained that the journey exposed widespread misconceptions about the condition, as well as major gaps in available support systems.
“Dyslexia is not a disease but a different way of learning,” he said, stressing the need for early intervention and specialized teaching methods.
He added that the foundation will focus on raising awareness, promoting inclusive education policies, and equipping teachers with practical tools to better support children with learning differences. Ezigbo also revealed plans to collaborate with schools and government agencies to improve how dyslexia is identified and managed nationwide.
Delivering a lecture titled “Changing the Narrative: Unlocking the Nigerian Genius,” Nne Oramasionwu described dyslexia as a neurological difference in how the brain processes language, affecting a child’s ability to read, spell, and understand written words.
Mrs. Oramasionwu emphasized that dyslexia is not caused by poor teaching, laziness, or low intelligence. She identified common signs to include difficulty with reading fluency, challenges in spelling simple words, avoidance of reading or writing tasks, and problems with remembering sequences.
She further noted that without proper support, dyslexia can lead to frustration, low self-esteem, and withdrawal from academic activities.
Also speaking at the event, Chinelo Ezigbo reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to ensuring that children with learning differences receive the support they need to succeed academically and in life.
Stella is of the State Ministry of Information, Anambra State
