Olugbenga Ogunmefun is a trailblazing researcher whose impact has illuminated the development sector over his 25-year career as a consultant. He has carved out a specialised niche in health-based social research, sanitation, family planning, and public health spheres.
As the Director of Research and Institutional Strengthening at Africa Polling Institute (API), Nigeria’s preeminent opinion research think tank, Ogunmefun tirelessly advocates for policies and practices aimed at enhancing the lives of persons with disabilities (PWDs) across Nigeria.
Thus, in a chat with journalists, Ogunmefun firmly emphasised the need for data on persons with disabilities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria. This is as he decried how the absence of accurate data has contributed to the various problems and challenges facing the nation.
He, however, recounted how in 2021 the Ford Foundation commissioned a two-year grant to API to conduct research and generate data on PWDs in the country, as well as monitor the implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The project was to promote compliance with disability laws and policies, conduct action research geared towards integrating gender and disability into public policies, to facilitate the integration of indicators and measures of disability into appropriate national studies through collaboration with the National Bureau of Statistics to gather disaggregated data on persons with disabilities.
It was also to ensure state governments adopt evidence-informed policies that address the challenges of PWDs while advancing a better understanding of the challenges faced by women with disabilities, particularly as it relates to gender-based violence.
“To monitor progress on the implementation of ‘The Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018’ across the 36 states and FCT, data is crucial for tracking compliance with disability laws and policies,” says Ogunmefun.
The project also advocated for evidence-informed policies that address the specific needs and challenges of persons with disabilities, particularly women who face additional barriers due to gender-based violence.
“It was to ensure equal access and inclusion of persons with disabilities in public spaces and
buildings by providing data-driven recommendations on the availability of ramps, lifts, and other accessibility features while also advancing the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities by generating awareness and understanding of their lived experiences through research,” he added.
Ogunmefun, who continues to push for social impact, makes a clarion call for positive changes and raises awareness about the importance of accurate data collection and inclusive policies for PWDs.
This strive was evident in his major role in the coordination of all activities for the planning, survey, reporting, and presentation of findings for this particular project.
He also liaised and worked with government agencies like the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), the Joint National Association of Persons with Disability (JONAPWD), and the disability community as a whole. Also, there was a collaboration with scholars who were screened and selected to work with the institute in gathering the needed data for the survey conducted across the geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
Through his unparalleled leadership and expertise, Ogunmefun, the author of “Modern Approaches to Market and Social Research: Leveraging Technology”, has been instrumental in driving and igniting change for Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria, ensuring their voices are heard, and their rights are protected.
He recognised the pivotal role of data in driving such a change, policy reforms, and inclusive development for the over 19 million Nigerians living with disabilities. His passion stems from a commitment to amplifying their voices and ensuring their full participation in society.
As a member of the Nigeria Market Research Association (NIMRA) and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria (ICEN), he continues in his strive to highlight solutions to the challenges and barriers faced by persons with disabilities in accessing education, healthcare, employment, transportation, and other essential services. Hence, he calls on the government at all levels and stakeholders to join the cause for the good of the nation.
