You can download Eno-obong’s story and headshot here. To contact Eno-obong about an interview or speaking at an event please contact us.
Back 
Eno-obong
Eno-obong
Okpo
You are the bridge to someone's tomorrow, so make today count.
@ Gates Archive/Jonathan Torgovnik
Eno-obong
Okpo
You are the bridge to someone's tomorrow, so make today count.
Eno-obong's Story
I am a polio survivor who currently runs numerous outreach programs focused on education, health and economic empowerment of women and girls with disabilities in Nigeria.
I contracted polio at age 2, having not had access to the polio vaccine. Stigmatization of disabilities in Nigeria outcast me from my community and subjected me to considerable abuse. When I was young, children with disabilities were believed to be cursed and as schools were reluctant to allow me to attend classes due to misplaced fears of polio spreading to other students; I was often isolated, with few prospects from an early age. The community did not see education as being important for someone with a disability – especially not for a woman with a disability. However, despite these obstacles, with family support and encouragement, I pursued my studies, helped by my siblings who carried me to and from school every day.
You are the bridge to someone’s tomorrow, so make today count.
Whilst I overcame the adversity of my physical disability, even today people are surprised that I do, indeed, lead ‘Enabled to Enable’, an organisation that advocates for the education, health and basic human rights of women and children with disabilities. My work includes sensitization campaigns on the importance of having children vaccinated against polio and leading a support group for women and girls with disabilities, including polio survivors and those with other disabilities. Enabled to Enable ensures access to vocational training and decent jobs for women with disabilities.
I am committed to driving action to meet SDG 3, and raising awareness of the impact of polio on children, I believe that the pain and mental torture of the after-effects of polio in Nigeria to be even worse than the disease itself.
@ Gates Archive/Jonathan Torgovnik
Introduction to the 12
@ Gates Archive/Jonathan Torgovnik
SEE ALL
