0703 112 4423

990 NAL Boulevard, Central Business District Abuja
info@tafafrica.co
Facebook Twitter Youtube Linkedin Instagram
DONATE

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE ONE-DAY ON STAKEHOLDER’S STRATEGIC ROUNDTABLE ON THE ABLE TO SERVE CAMPAIGN

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE ONE-DAY ON STAKEHOLDER’S STRATEGIC ROUNDTABLE ON THE ABLE TO SERVE CAMPAIGN ORGANISED BY TAF AFRICA WITH SUPPORT FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION, HELD AT THE ABUJA CONTINENTAL HOTEL (FORMERLY SHERATON HOTEL) ABUJA ON THURSDAY, THE 18TH DAY OF MAY 2023 TAF Africa is pleased to share the communique of the roundtable discussion held on May 18th, 2023, focusing on the crucial topic of "Disability Inclusion in the Appointment of Cabinet Members: A Call for Inclusive Government." This event brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, disability rights advocates, representatives from disability organizations, and experts in the field, to engage in a meaningful dialogue regarding the promotion and advancement of Disability inclusive appointments at the national and subnational cabinets of the incoming government. This statement serves to provide important updates, decisions, and key information regarding the roundtable. The following Organizations were present at the roundtable:
  • National Democratic Institute (NDI)
  • Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD)
  • National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD)
  • Organization of Persons with disabilities (OPDs)
  • National Association of the Blind (NAB)
  • Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN)
  • Nigerian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD)
  • The Center for ability rehabilitation and Empowerment (CARE) in Nigeria
  • Inclusive Friends Association (IFA)
  • Amputee Coalition of Nigeria (ACON)
The roundtable aimed to accomplish the following objectives:
  1. Raise awareness: The discussion sought to intensify public awareness of the need for PWD inclusion in government appointive positions. It emphasized the benefits of diverse representation, the impact of inclusive policies, and the need to dismantle barriers that hinder the participation of persons with disabilities in government.
  2. Identify challenges: Participants engaged in a comprehensive analysis of the challenges faced by persons with disabilities when seeking government positions. These challenges encompassed attitudinal barriers, physical accessibility limitations, discriminatory appointment practices, and limited opportunities for career advancement.
  3. Share best practices: The roundtable provided a platform for sharing successful strategies and best practices in promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in government positions. Participants had the opportunity to showcase initiatives that have yielded positive outcomes in terms of accessibility, recruitment, appointment, retention, and advancement of Persons with disabilities.
  4. Policy formulation: Recognizing the need for effective policies, the roundtable focused on developing recommendations for governments at all levels to enhance disability inclusion. Participants discussed policy measures that could be implemented to ensure equal opportunities for PWDs, and inclusivity within governmental institutions.
Key outcomes and recommendations from the roundtable discussion include:
  1. That awareness and sensitization should be created to ensure the appointment of Persons with Disabilities in compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
  2. The PWD community should continuously strengthen its advocacy efforts to further promote the rights and inclusion of individuals with disabilities.
  3. Political parties have a significant role to play in facilitating the appointment of individuals with disabilities into government appointive positions.
  4. It is recommended to establish a task force or a dedicated working group to actively influence and advocate the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in appointive positions.
  5. There is a strong demand for ensuring that 10 percent of government appointive positions at the federal, state, and local government levels are allocated to individuals with disabilities. There is a need for a concerted effort to provide widespread education and awareness programs for Persons with Disabilities.
  6. PWDs should be appointed to ministerial, ambassadorial, and heads of parastatal positions to promote inclusion and ensure that policies protecting PWDS are implemented.
  7. All Political parties should mainstream PWD in their constitution to include membership of NWC and NEC and establish disability desks to ensure the inclusion of PWDs in all levels of political activities.
  8. Partnership with the media is paramount in achieving all PWD desired goals.
The roundtable concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to actively promote disability inclusion in government positions. It was acknowledged that disability inclusion not only aligns with the principles of equality and human rights but also contributes to better governance, more inclusive policies, and improved overall societal well-being. In closing, the participants expressed their gratitude to the organizers for convening the roundtable and acknowledged that this important dialogue would contribute to shaping inclusive policies and practices within government institutions. The communique was signed by: Hajiya Amina Zakari Haruna Muhammad Tsafe, Vice President, NNAD Kenneth Echiche, Nigeria Association of the Blind Chukwunelo Eva, Public Relations Officer Amputee Coalition of Nigeria Chukwunyere Kelsey Nwosu, Comm. Officer, Amputee Coalition of Nigeria Aver Akighir, National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities (NAPWPD) Sedoo Toryem, Integration, Dignity, Economic Advancement (IDEA Nigeria) Dr. Chris Nwanoro, Lotus Institute for the Blind Amy Onyinyechi Omumere, Legal and Programme Associate, (CISLAC) Maureen Chioma, Chairman, Spinal Cord Injury Association, FCT Chapter Hon. Mohammad Abbah Isah, APC Zonal Leader Hon. Abdullahi Akilu, PDP PWD Leader Lois Auta, Executive Director Cedar Seed Foundation Stephen Idoko, Inclusive Friends Association Christian Agbo, Executive Director, Qualitative Magazine Dr. Chike Okogwu, Former Presidential Candidate of the ADC and Founder of CARE Nigeria Ambassador Jake Epelle, CEO/founder, TAF Africa Olayemi Samuel, Programmes Lead, TAF Africa    

More Posts

TAF Africa Team Pays Advocacy Visit to INEC Headquarters

In preparation for the November 8, 2025, Anambra Governorship Election, TAF Africa, led by our CEO/ Founder Amb. Jake Epelle paid an advocacy visit to INEC Nigeria headquarters to secure national support for the deployment of sign language interpreters at polling units with high numbers of deaf voters. The initiative, supported under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria II Programme, aims to ensure deaf voters are not left behind due to communication barriers during the election. INEC National Commissioner, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, welcomed the delegation on behalf of the Acting INEC Chairman and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to inclusive elections. Amb. Epelle described the effort as a national model for accessible democracy, noting that inclusion must move from principle to practice. This collaboration marks a new milestone in making Nigeria’s electoral process truly inclusive.

Able2Vote: In Anambra, Training of Sign Language Interpreters for Inclusive Elections

Last week, TAF Africa concluded a two-day Training of Sign Language Interpreters for Inclusive Elections! With support from the European Union in Nigeria through its European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Programme, and in partnership with INEC Nigeria, this training brings together members of the Association of Sign Language Interpreters of Nigeria (ASLIN), Anambra State Chapter. This initiative aims to equip interpreters with the knowledge and skills to provide effective sign language support at polling units with a high number of deaf voters during the upcoming November 8 Governorship Election in Anambra state. This pilot intervention marks a major step toward strengthening inclusive, accessible, and participatory elections in Nigeria. Role playing on the principles, practice and ethics of sign language interpretation by participants for the training of sign language interpreters for the Anambra state governorship election. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUo_0BIgmk0

TAF Africa hosts a Stakeholders Meet on an Inclusive Election in Anambra State

Yesterday’s Live Television Stakeholders’ Engagement on Disability-Inclusive Election Preparedness in Anambra State was an insightful conversation on strengthening inclusive democracy ahead of the November polls.  This essential discussion features critical stakeholders, including the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Elizabeth, top security officials (Police, NSCDC), media leaders (NTA, ABS), and civil society representatives from TAF Africa and the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD). Dive into the specifics of making over 5,700 polling units accessible, securing priority voting rights, and the reliability of the BVAS technology. Learn how TAF Africa’s Third Eye App is empowering Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to monitor election day fairness and report rights infringements in real-time. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in Nigerian democracy and electoral justice. Watch the full discussion to understand the road map for accessible voting in Anambra State! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUo_0BIgmk0

Stakeholders’ Preparedness for a Disability Inclusive Governorship Election in Anambra State

PRESS STATEMENT TAF AFRICA TO HOST LIVE TELEVISION STAKEHOLDERS’ ENGAGEMENT ON DISABILITY-INCLUSIVE ELECTION PREPAREDNESS IN ANAMBRA STATE In its sustained effort to promote disability-inclusive democratic processes in Nigeria, TAF Africa, with funding support from the European Union through the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN 11) Programme, will host a Live Television Stakeholders’ Engagement on the preparedness of key institutions to deliver a disability­ inclusive governorship election in Anambra State. The 2-hour live broadcast is scheduled for Sunday, 12th October 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. It will besimultaneously streamed from Anambra state on Arise Television, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Awka, and the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) to ensure wider public reach and visibility. The televised engage1nent aims to provide a public platform for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, the media, and the community of persons with disabilities (PWDs) to discuss institutional readiness, collaboration, and commitments toward ensuring an accessible, inclusive, and credible election in Anambra State on November 8, 2025. According to Ambassador Jake Epelle, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, “Elections are not truly democratic until every eligible citizen, including persons with disabilities, can participate on an equal basis. This live engagement provides an avenue for transparency, public accountability, and shared responsibility among critical stakeholders ahead of the Anambra governorship election.” The engagement will feature two high-level panel sessions. The first session, moderated by Amb. Jake Epelle will bring together representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to discuss institutional and security preparedness. The second session, moderated by George Anwayi, Senior Programme Officer at TAF Africa, will engage media executives and disability advocates, including the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), the General Manager of NTA Awka, and the Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service, to explore inclusive media coverage and public awareness strategies. This live engagement forms part of TAF Africa’s broader #AbletoVote campaign under the EU-SDGN II programme, designed to strengthen disability-inclusive electoral reforms, promote civic participation, and inspire public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system. TAF Africa aims to create a barrier-free political environment that promotes the full participation of persons with disabilities in the country’s democratic journey by bringing critical voices to the table and broadcasting the discussion live to millions of Nigerians. For media enquiries, please contact: Lynn Agwuncha, Senior Communication Officer, TAF Africa, 07068091367 or l.agwuncha@tafafrica.co https://youtu.be/k89KkHX5u7c

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn