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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    

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Call For Applications: IT Officer

 Job Title: IT 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  IT Support:  Provide technical support for all IT systems within the organization.  Troubleshoot hardware and software issues, assisting employees in resolving technical problems.  Stay updated on emerging IT trends and implement best practices within the organization.  Web and Mobile App Management  Manage TAF Africa’s Disability Hub application  Ensure that TAF’s Applications are Disability Friendly  Be Product Owner for the applications  Website Development and Maintenance:  Design, develop, and maintain the organization’s website to ensure a user-friendly and appealing online presence.  Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the website aligns with TAF Africa’s communication strategies.  Implement SEO strategies and optimize the website for search engine visibility.  Graphic Design:  Create visually striking and engaging graphics materials, both digital and print.  Develop and maintain the visual identity of TAF Africa, including logos, brand, and donor guidelines.  Collaborate with different teams to design presentations, brochures, and other materials.  Produce multimedia content, including images, infographics, videos, and animations, to support marketing campaigns.  Any Other Duties Assigned   Skills and Qualifications   Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, Web Development, Graphic Design, or a related field.  Proven experience in IT support, web development, and graphic design.  Proficiency in graphic design tools, such as Adobe Creative Suite.  Strong knowledge of IT systems and network administration.  Experience in web development, including familiarity with HTML, CSS, and CMS platforms (e.g., WordPress).  Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a dynamic environment.  Creative mindset and a keen eye for detail in graphic design.  Strong communication and collaboration skills.  Attention to detail.  Excellent interpersonal skills  How To Apply: Qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications using the link below: https://forms.gle/ZjfrmG4WQi4i4TQN9  Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.  Application Deadline: 7th January 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.

Call For Applications: Programme Manager

Job Title: Programme Manager  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  Manage the conceptualization, design, planning, and implementation of programmes in line with the organization’s thematic thrust.   Coordinate the activities of state offices in programme implementation.   Oversee, support, and evaluate the work of Programme Officers, Volunteers, and Consultants.   Ensure appropriate compliance, reporting, and documentation on programmes and interventions in line with agreed standards and donor requirements.   Develop, nurture, and manage relationships with partners.   Scan for funding opportunities in areas relevant to the organization’s vision   Ensure adherence to the organization’s policies, especially the Gender Policy, and the Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy in all programmatic design and activities.   Develop and implement comprehensive program strategies in alignment with the organization’s overall goals and objectives.   Collaborate with senior management to define program scope, goals, and deliverables.   Lead the planning, execution, and monitoring of multiple projects within the program portfolio.   Establish project timelines, milestones, and deliverables.   Ensure adherence to project management best practices.   Work closely with various departments to coordinate resources, resolve issues, and optimize project delivery.   Foster effective communication and collaboration among project teams.   Manage program budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources.   Identify potential risks associated with projects and develop strategies for risk mitigation.   Implement risk management processes to address and resolve issues promptly.  Establish and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.   Communicate project progress, risks, and outcomes to stakeholders in a clear and timely manner.   Implement quality assurance processes to ensure the delivery of high-quality projects.   Monitor and evaluate project outcomes against predefined benchmarks.   Lead and motivate project teams, providing guidance and support to ensure successful project completion.   Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment.   Prepare and present regular progress reports to senior management and stakeholders.   Maintain accurate project documentation and records.   Any other duties assigned.  Qualification   Extensive experience (minimum of 7 years) and demonstrable knowledge of programme management in areas related to the organization’s thematic thrust.  Strong ICT skills   Strong stakeholder management and decision-making skills.  Excellent report-writing skill.   Strong communicator, coordinator, and networker.   Strong ability to execute work with an inclusion lens.   Strong verbal and written communication skills.  Exceptional organizational skills and impeccable attention to detail.  How To Apply: Qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications using this link: https://forms.gle/p34D4TxYd2sBhLpq8  Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.  Application Deadline: 7th January 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.

TAF Africa Calls For Renewed Commitment To Disability-Inclusive Societies On The 2025 International Day Of Persons With Disabilities (IDPD)

TAF AFRICA PRESS STATEMENT 3 December 2025 | Abuja, Nigeria TAF Africa joins the global community today to commemorate the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) under the theme “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress”. This year’s observance offers an important opportunity to reflect on how far we have come, and how far we must still go to ensure that persons with disabilities are not only included but empowered as equal contributors to national development. The 2025 theme is especially significant as it builds on the momentum of the Second World Summit for Social Development held in Doha from 4 – 6 November 2025, where world leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to building a just, inclusive, peaceful, and equitable world. At the Summit, disability inclusion featured prominently as a fundamental pillar of social justice and sustainable development. For Nigeria, these global commitments must translate into accelerated action at home. As an organisation dedicated to strengthening the full participation of persons with disabilities in governance, democracy, and development, TAF Africa acknowledges the progress made. Yet, we remain deeply concerned that millions of Nigerians with disabilities still face systemic exclusion in education, healthcare, employment, public infrastructure, political participation, and digital access. In line with today’s global message, we call for: 1. Full enforcement of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018:  Seven years after its passage, full compliance, especially in accessible infrastructure, public services, and protection from discrimination, remains critically low. Governments at all levels must prioritise implementation, budget allocation, and monitoring. 2. Institutionalisation of disability inclusion across all sectors: From elections to economic planning, disability inclusion cannot remain an afterthought. MDAs, the private sector, and development agencies must embed disability responsive frameworks into policies, programs, and service delivery. 3. Strengthening political participation of persons with disabilities Democracy is incomplete without the voices of all citizens. We urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, security agencies, and civil society to full implement disability-inclusive electoral processes in future elections 4. Investment in accessible technology, innovation, and social protection Equitable digital access, assistive devices, inclusive social protection systems, and economic empowerment initiatives are essential for social progress and long-term national development. 5. Partnership-driven solutions Achieving an inclusive society requires strong collaboration among government, civil society, organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), private sector actors, the media, and international partners. We reaffirm our commitment to working with all stakeholders to drive lasting change. Today, TAF Africa celebrates the resilience, innovation, and leaders of persons with disabilities across Nigeria and the African continent. Their contributions to governance, entrepreneurship, education, the creative economy, technology, and community development continue to inspire our collective pursuit of justice and equality. As the world renews its commitment to social development following the Doha Summit, Nigeria must seize this moment to reaffirm that disability inclusion is a national priority, not optional, not symbolic, but essential. Let today be a reminder that a truly inclusive society is one where every individual, regardless of disability status, can live with dignity, exercise their rights fully, and contribute meaningfully to national progress. Signed: Ambassador Jake Epelle FniprCEO/FounderTAF Africa

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