2023 OFF-CYCLE POST-ELECTION PRESS STATEMENT

POST-ELECTION PRESS STATEMENT BY TAF AFRICA ON THE PARTICIPATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN THE OFF-CYCLE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTIONS Issued: 2:00 pm, Sunday, 12^th November 2023. Location: Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo state TAF Africa undertook a comprehensive observation mission during the 2023 off-cycle election in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo states. With a team of 30 trained observers deployed in each state; particularly in polling units with the highest number of registered persons with disabilities, our primary focus was evaluating the compliance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with the deployment of assistive tools for persons with disabilities, access to priority voting in line with the electoral act as well as the overall experience of persons with disabilities at the polls. The specific assistive tools included the Braille ballot guide for the blind, large graphic posters for the deaf, and magnifying glasses for persons with albinism. In a positive development, there was a notable improvement in the participation and overall experience of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) during the 2023 off-cycle election, in contrast to the general election held earlier in the year. TAF Africa acknowledges the efforts made by INEC in enhancing accessibility and inclusivity for PWDs in the electoral process. However, our observation uncovered certain challenges and incidents that require urgent attention and remedial action. KEY FINDINGS:

Improved Participation and Overall Experience of PWDs:

We acknowledge the commendable efforts made by INEC to enhance the participation and overall experience of PWDs in the 2023 off-cycle election. Compared to the previous election, there was a noticeable improvement in providing necessary assistive tools and ensuring a more inclusive voting process.

Uneven Assistive Tool Deployment:

Despite the progress, there was uneven deployment of assistive tools across the observed states. Bayelsa state recorded the highest percentage of deployment at 61% based on the 30 selected polling units, while Kogi and Imo state experienced low deployment at 36% and 33% respectively, raising concerns about the consistency of INEC's implementation of disability-inclusive measures.

Person with Disabilities Voter Inducement:

TAF Africa notes with concern the recorded incident of PWD voter inducement in the off-cycle states. For instance, in St. Luke Sec school, Agudama Epie polling unit, Epie ward 1, Yenagoa LGA of Bayelsa state, some party agents engaged in vote buying, thereby causing chaos and disorderliness in the polling unit. This challenges the integrity of the electoral process and emphasizes the need for heightened vigilance and enforcement of electoral laws to maintain a free and fair electoral environment.

Security Incident in Imo State:

A critical incident occurred in Dimoma Hall Amambaa polling unit, Ikeduru LGA, in Imo state, where gunmen dispersed voters. TAF Africa condemns any form of violence that disrupts the democratic process, and we call on security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and take necessary actions to ensure the confidence, safety, and security of voters in subsequent elections. RECOMMENDATIONS:

Standardized Deployment of Assistive Tools:

TAF Africa recommends that INEC establishes and enforce a standardized protocol for the adequate deployment of assistive tools, ensuring equitable distribution across all states and polling units with registered persons with disabilities during elections. This will contribute to a more consistent and inclusive electoral process.

Enhanced Security Measures:

Considering the security incidents in Imo and Kogi states, we urge security agencies to enhance security measures to prevent and respond swiftly to incidents that threaten the safety of voters. This includes proactive measures to deter and respond to any acts of violence that could undermine the electoral process.

Strict Enforcement of Anti-Inducement Laws:

TAF Africa calls on political parties and relevant authorities to enforce strict penalties for voter inducement. This will help maintain the integrity of the electoral process and foster a transparent and accountable political environment.

Continuous Stakeholder Engagement:

We encourage continuous collaboration and engagement between INEC, political parties, security agencies, PWDs, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). Regular consultations will facilitate the identification and resolution of challenges, promoting a more inclusive and accessible electoral process. In conclusion, TAF Africa remains committed to advancing the rights and inclusion of PWDs in Nigeria's democratic processes. We commend the positive steps taken by INEC and other stakeholders but emphasize the need for continuous improvement to ensure that no one is left behind in Nigeria’s democratic journey. SIGNED: Amb. Jake Epelle CEO/Founder, TAF Africa Convener, Disability Inclusion Ni

TAF Africa Donates 45 Assistive Devices to Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Delta State

TAF Africa Donates 45 Assistive Devices To Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Delta State https://youtu.be/e6x2D3BTkAs?si=XkkbjX34ICdRB2hc TAF Africa, in its efforts toward progress on inclusivity, has donated forty five assistive devices to Persons With Disabilities in Delta State. This initiative is aimed at improving access to mobility for beneficiaries across the state. “For us, we are looking at promoting the rights of persons with disabilities”, says Dr. Andrew Adaji, Project Coordinator of the D-RAPID Project in Delta State, “One of their rights is access to mobility. So we’re using this to support them”. The Nigerian Police Force was on ground to remind everyone that their doors are open, specifically through the Disability Desks that have been setup across the country. Better access + Better Protection = A Better Nigeria. Stakeholders, like the Delta Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), express gratitude for the timely intervention and noted that the devices will significantly ease their daily movement and enhance their participation in social and economic activities. CEO/Founder of TAF Africa, Ambassador Jake Epelle, remarked, “What we have done here to do was to move or shift from mere conversation to concrete tangible commitment that we envisage will produce expected outcomes”. CEO/Founder of TAF Africa, Ambassador Jake Epelle, remarked, “What we have done here to do was to move or shift from mere conversation to concrete tangible commitment that we envisage will produce expected outcomes”. Wheelchairs and Prosthetics were distributed to Forty Five Recipients. Moving Forward, more work needs to be done, more people need to be reached, the net needs to widened, and we need more inclusive reportage. You can support TAF Africa’s work through donations on our website, volunteering, and sharing our work to your network. 🔗 Support TAF Africa.

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ) – Purchase and Setup of Solar Power Equipment

About TAF Africa TAF Africa is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization originally established to promote the health, socio-economic rights, well-being, and empowerment of persons with albinism. The organization has since evolved into a leading voice advocating for the recognition, respect, and inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria and around the world. TAF Africa contributes to legislative and policy actions that promote the rights of PWDs and the effective mainstreaming of inclusion. Background TAF Africa invites qualified vendors to submit quotations for the purchase and setup of solar power for TAF Africa. Expected Deliverables One (1) 16KWH Lithium -ion Battery One (1) 10KW Hybrid Inverter Ten (10) 620W Monocrystalline Solar Panels Fifteen (15) 6mm Load Cables Thirty (30) 10mm DC Cables One (1) Solar Panel base with accessories How to Apply Interested vendors should submit their quotations via email to info@tafafrica.co with the subject line:RFQ: Purchase and Setup of Solar Power Application Deadline: 3rd April 2026 Terms and Conditions This Request for Quotation (RFQ) is not, and shall not be considered, an offer by TAF Africa. All submissions must be received on or before the deadline indicated above. Late submissions will not be considered. Incomplete or unresponsive submissions will be rejected. Any award made will be subject to TAF Africa’s contractual terms and conditions and contingent upon the availability of donor funding. TAF Africa reserves the right to accept or reject any submission or cancel the solicitation process at any time without liability to the submitting party. TAF Africa reserves the right to accept all or part of a submission. All information provided by TAF Africa in this RFQ is offered in good faith. Items are subject to change, and all participating vendors will be notified accordingly. TAF Africa is not responsible for any use of the information provided nor any resulting claims. TAF Africa reserves the right to require the selected vendor(s) to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). All costs incurred by the vendor in preparing and submitting a response are solely the responsibility of the vendor. All submitted documents will become the property of TAF Africa, subject to confidentiality claims clearly marked by the vendor. TAF Africa may select and award contracts to multiple vendors as deemed necessary.

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.

Announcing…DemoCrazy

What happens when the headlines make you laugh, sigh, and question everything at the same time? You get DemoCrazy, the bold new podcast from the CEO and Founder of TAF Africa, Amb. Jake Epelle. In a country where politics often feels like theatre, DemoCrazy pulls back the curtain, not with long speeches, but with sharp, 60 to 120-second episodes that cut straight to the heart of the issue. With satire as his scalpel and wit as his voice, Amb. Epelle dissects the political moments shaping Nigeria today, exposing contradictions, questioning leadership, and providing a serious reminder that democracy is not a spectator sport. Beyond just commentary and humour, the DemoCrazy is clarity and its accountability. It’s a civic wake-up call. Each episode delivers a powerful reminder: behind every absurd headline are real people, real rights, and real consequences, especially for marginalized communities, including persons with disabilities, whose voices must never be drowned out by political noise. Why DemoCrazy matters now more than ever: It makes politics accessible, engaging, and impossible to ignore. It challenges citizens to think, question, and stay informed. It transforms frustration into awareness, and awareness into action. Democracy works best when citizens are informed, alert, and engaged. DemoCrazy invites you to listen, reflect, and share. Listen, laugh, think, act. Follow Jake Epelle’s social media platforms, subscribe when episodes drop, and share with your networks. Because when citizens pay attention, democracy becomes less “DemoCrazy” and more powerful. Subscribe now and join the conversation. Your voice matters, your awareness matters, and your engagement could make all the difference. Facebook X-twitter Youtube Linkedin

2023 OFF-CYCLE POST-ELECTION PRESS STATEMENT

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