Media professionals in Delta State have been challenged to reposition their role as drivers of social inclusion by adopting rights-based and ethical approaches in reporting issues concerning Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The call was made on Wednesday February 4, 2026, at a media focused sensitization workshop convened by The All-Right Foundation (TAF) Africa on February 4, 2026, at Villa Toscana Hotel, Asaba.
The engagement brought together journalists, editors and broadcasters to examine how media narratives can either reinforce exclusion or advance dignity, access and equal opportunity for persons with disabilities.
Delivering a keynote presentation, TAF Africa’s Programme Officer, Dr Andrew Adaji, said inaccurate language, poor understanding of disability laws and stereotype-driven storytelling continue to undermine disability advocacy efforts.
He explained that the workshop was designed to strengthen journalists’ capacity to report disability-related issues within the framework of human rights, inclusion and social justice.
Dr Adaji noted that the session exposed participants to Nigeria’s legal protections for persons with disabilities, including the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, stressing that informed journalism is essential for public accountability and behavioural change.
He emphasised that persons with disabilities should be portrayed as active contributors to national development, particularly in education, governance and community life, rather than being framed as passive recipients of sympathy or charity.
Founder of TAF Africa, Mr Jake Epelle, described the engagement as part of the organisation’s sustained advocacy to mainstream disability inclusion in public discourse.
He urged journalists to go beyond episodic coverage and consistently highlight disability issues through investigative reporting, policy analysis and storytelling that reflects lived experiences.
According to him, sustained media attention remains critical to ensuring compliance with disability laws and promoting institutional reforms that guarantee accessibility and equal participation.
Also speaking, Lynn Agwuncha underscored the power of the media in shaping societal values and influencing policy direction.
She encouraged journalists to consciously adopt inclusive reporting practices capable of dismantling stigma and promoting respect for the rights of persons with disabilities.
TAF Africa commended the Delta State Government for recent efforts to improve physical accessibility within public spaces, particularly the installation of ramps at the State Secretariat.
The organisation, however, called for wider implementation of accessibility standards across public infrastructure to ensure meaningful inclusion.
The All-Right Foundation (TAF) Africa is a non-governmental organisation committed to advancing the rights, welfare and full inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria and across Africa through advocacy, capacity building, policy engagement and strategic partnerships.
