Solomon Olakunle Okelola

In the headshot, the nominee has on a white shirt with a black neck tie. He is dark in complexion, smiling and uses hearing aids.

Solomon Olakunle Okelola, He/him/his

Disability Rights Advocate | Founding Executive Director, Lionheart Ability Leaders International Foundation | Pioneer National President, Deafblind Inclusion & Advocacy Network–Nigeria, Nigeria

Solomon Olakunle Okelola is a DeafBlind disability rights advocate, educator, and pioneer working to advance recognition and inclusion for DeafBlind people in Nigeria. He was the 2010 best graduating student in the Department of Special Education at the University of Ibadan. Driven by a desire to create greater inclusion for his community, Solomon pioneered advocacy for the formal recognition of DeafBlindness within Nigeria’s disability movement. His work culminated in the launch and proclamation of the Deafblind Inclusion & Advocacy Network as Nigeria’s ninth disability cluster on October 8, 2024. In August 2025, he launched the first rehabilitation program for DeafBlind people in West Africa. In 2026, Solomon became the first DeafBlind person to participate in Nigeria’s National Para-Athletics Games, where he won a silver medal in karate. His advocacy has given Nigerians with DeafBlindness a stronger voice within the national disability community and helped ensure that DeafBlindness is represented in disability and special education discourse. Through leadership, sport, and advocacy, Solomon is expanding recognition, participation, and opportunities for DeafBlind people in Nigeria and beyond.