The Founder of The Albino Foundation (TAF), Mr Jake Epelle has called on Media Professionals to ensure that the activities of Persons With Disabilities PWDs are given optimal coverage during the forthcoming elections.
Mr Epelle made the call in Abuja, at a capacity building workshop on inclusive media reportage for the 2023 general election.
He disclosed that the foundation was planning to launch Election Hub with details of eligible PWD voters, maintained that the support of the media was necessary to achieve such feat.
According to the CEO of TAF, data from the election hub will guide the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on areas to deploy resources and facilities such as braille machines and others that will aid PWDs to vote on election day.
“We are deploying what we call the PWD Election Hub and we are also launching the PWD dashboard to monitor the election process. The dashboard will actually tell you the eligible PWDs who are going to vote in the forthcoming election”.
“We are also launching an app in which the media can use in its reportage. All of these would be formally launched. We are waiting for INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu to give us a date on when it will be launched”. Mr Ekpelle noted.
He explained that PWDs do not participate in the previous elections due to voter apathy. “They are not just interested in getting involved because they do not know the provisions that are available for them to participate effectively and they do not know the process and procedures to follow to participate in the electoral process.”
Mr Ekpelle appealed to journalists to help deepen report and highlight issues affecting PWDs so that policy makers and international partners would be aware of the main challenges the organization was facing.
President Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Mr Chris Isiguzo while stating that over 200 journalists have so far been trained on election coverage, advised media professionals to give more attention on the marginalized group.
“Engage more on conflict sensitive reporting, let’s report authentic stories that promotes national peace and development. Nigerian citizens needs us more at this time for credible information on electoral process, we must not fail them”
The Executive Director of International Press Centre, Mr Lanre Arogundade, refreshed the Journalists memory on how to “Report Until Something Happens” (RUSH).
“You must be well informed about the issue before rushing to report, always counter fake news and change societal misconceptions about PWDs”.
In her presentation, Program Manager TAF, Ndifreka Ferdinand, disclosed that the organization intends to mobilize about 700 observers across the country to monitor the election, while over 85,000 PWDs are already registered with INEC for the election.
Call For Applications: Senior Communications Officer
Call For Applications: Senior Communications Officer Job Title: Senior Communications Officer Location: Abuja Employment Type: Full Time Duration: 12 months TAF Africa is an independent non-governmental/not-for profit organization originally established to promote health, socio-economic rights, well-being, and empowerment of persons with albinism. The organization has since evolved to become a focus organization that advocates for the recognition and respect of the rights, socio-economic and political inclusion of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria and the around the World. The foundation contributes to legislative and policy action that promotes the rights of PWDs, and effective mainstreaming of inclusion. Responsibilities Coordinate all internal and external communications. Create engaging and targeted content for the organization’s activities across mainstream and social media, including documentaries, press statements, activity briefs, creative storytelling, etc. Build and manage the organization’s online community and engagement across all the platforms. Ensure visibility for the organization’s programmatic interventions. Provide strategy and content for advocacy. Develop and execute a comprehensive communication strategy aligned with the organization’s goals and values. Collaborate with senior management to ensure messaging consistency across all communication channels. Cultivate and maintain relationships with media outlets, journalists, and industry influencers. Draft press releases, organize media briefings, and respond to media inquiries. Create compelling and engaging content for various platforms, including press releases, articles, blog posts, and social media. Ensure content aligns with the organization’s brand and messaging guidelines. Develop and implement internal communication plans to keep employees informed and engaged. Coordinate internal events, newsletters, and other communication initiatives. Oversee the organization’s presence on social media platforms, developing and implementing a social media strategy. Monitor social media trends and engage with the online community. Develop and maintain crisis communication plans. Act as a spokesperson during times of crisis, providing clear and timely communication to internal and external stakeholders. Protect and enhance the organization’s brand by ensuring consistent messaging and visual identity. Develop brand-building initiatives and campaigns. Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including partners, and beneficiaries. Organize and coordinate events to engage with stakeholders. Track and analyse the effectiveness of communication strategies. Provide regular reports and recommendations for improvement. Any other duties assigned. Essential Skills and Qualifications A postgraduate qualification in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, or any relevant Social Science discipline is required. Minimum of 7 years’ relevant experience in communications and IT, including work on democracy and governance issues, with at least 3 years in a senior role. Working knowledge of computer systems and relevant technological solutions. Proven ICT skills, with an ability to utilize multiple software to deliver tasks. Demonstrable understanding and ability to work with mainstream and social media. Video production and photography skills. Excellent writing skill. Innovation and creativity. Graphics design, video editing knowledge and website design/management proficiency will be an added advantage. Strong interpersonal skills. Attention to detail. Desirable skills Strategic Communication & Planning Content Development & Storytelling Media & Public Relations Digital & Social Media Management Stakeholder & Donor Communication How To Apply: Qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications using the link below: Click To Apply Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Application Deadline: 8th April 2026 Diversity and Inclusion:TAF Africa strongly encourages applications from women and persons with disabilities. All submissions will be handled with the highest level of confidentiality.