Media executives have been urged to play a more active role in amplifying the voices and concerns of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) during election periods to ensure their participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The appeal was made during a reflection meeting on media inclusivity in Osun State, organised by the Centre for Media and Society, CEMESO, the International Press Centre, IPC, TAF Africa and the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, NWTF, in Osogbo on Wednesday.
Delivering a paper titled, “Understanding PWD Inclusive Reporting as a Platform for Promoting the Image and Issues Enhancing the Voices of Persons with Disabilities,” the Executive Director of the International Press Centre, Lanre Arogundade, stressed the importance of inclusive journalism in strengthening democratic participation.
Arogundade explained that “the European Union Support to Democratic Governance (EU-SDGN) initiative seeks to expand and foster a pluralistic, inclusive, participatory and representative democracy in Nigeria through greater civic engagement and equitable access to information.”
The call was made at a stakeholders’ engagement focused on promoting inclusive electoral reporting, where participants stressed the need for the media to give greater visibility to issues affecting PWDs before, during and after elections.
Speakers at the event noted that despite constituting a significant part of the population, many persons with disabilities continue to face barriers that limit their access to political participation, voter information and representation.
“The objective is to ensure that no group is left behind and that Persons with Disabilities are given opportunities to participate fully in democratic processes through fair and inclusive media coverage,” Arogundade said.
They urged media organisations to adopt more inclusive reporting approaches by highlighting the experiences of PWDs, covering their demands and holding relevant institutions accountable for implementing policies that protect their rights.
The stakeholders emphasised that the media remains a critical tool in shaping public discourse and can help drive greater awareness, accessibility and inclusion within Nigeria’s electoral system.
They called on journalists and media owners to ensure that election coverage reflects the interests of all citizens, including persons with disabilities, to strengthen democratic participation and representation.
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