With the Osun State governorship election approaching on August 15, stakeholders have called on media organizations to provide more space for the concerns of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). The initiative aims to highlight the political rights and electoral needs of this community through more frequent coverage.
This request emerged during a meeting in Osogbo regarding media inclusivity. The event was hosted by the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), the International Press Centre (IPC), TAF Africa, and the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF). The session gathered regulators, journalists, and disability rights advocates to promote equitable reporting standards.
Lanre Arogundade, head of the International Press Centre, presented a paper emphasizing that inclusive journalism is vital for a robust democracy. He noted that the European Union Support to Democratic Governance (EU-SDGN) program is dedicated to fostering a representative system in Nigeria where information is accessible to all. He stated that true progress occurs when society ensures no group is marginalized during democratic processes.
Dr. Akin Akingbulu of CEMESO reinforced that PWDs hold full constitutional rights to political participation. He urged news outlets to integrate sign language, provide accessible information materials, and eliminate physical or systemic barriers for their staff and audiences. Furthermore, Malliya Manu of the NWTF argued that media coverage must shift away from a male-centric focus to offer better representation for women and individuals with disabilities. Representatives from CEMESO and the IPC concluded that consistent, inclusive editorial attention is necessary to strengthen the nation’s democratic future.
