With funding support from the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, TAF Africa organized a town hall in Bayelsa State on Mainstreaming Participation of Persons with Disabilities in Governance Processes in partnership with the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
In his goodwill message, the Secretary to Bayelsa State Government, Hon. Gideon Ekeuwei said that the government is dedicated to creating an environment where their rights are upheld, and their voices are heard, and is committed to implementing policies that foster inclusivity, remove barriers, and provide equal opportunities for all.
In his words, “We consider it a strategic essential for the overall growth of our state, as well as a matter of social fairness, that persons with disabilities actively participate in governing processes.
“As the Secretary to the State Government, I assure you that the government of Bayelsa is dedicated to creating an environment where the rights of persons with disabilities are upheld, and their voices are heard. We are committed to implementing policies that foster inclusivity, remove barriers, and provide equal opportunities for all.
“I commend TAF Africa for their relentless efforts in advocating for disability inclusiveness and I express gratitude for organizing this Town Hall Meeting. It is platforms like the work towards a more inclusive and just society.”
He added that the theme of the meeting aligns with the state government's commitment to building a more inclusive and accessible government.
The CEO/Founder of TAF Africa, Amb. Jake Epelle commended the Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen. Douye Diri for appointing persons with disabilities as Special Advisers and Special Assistants. He also appealed to the Governor to prove himself as the number one inclusive governor by appointing a person with a disability as commissioner after the inauguration of his second term in office.
According to him, “Let me use this occasion to call on the Bayelsa state governor, Senator Douye Diri, that you are about to constitute a new government, thank you for giving us Special Advisers, but this time around we want a commissioner, not a commissioner for persons with disabilities, but a commissioner with disability. We have many persons with disabilities across board that can function in several ministries, use this occasion to prove yourself as the number one inclusive governor by appointing a person with disability as a commissioner.”
“I think this is the beginning of what might snowball into a national and continental agenda which is inclusive governance, getting the government to commit to creating the platform for participation of Persons Living with Disabilities in all strata of governance whether it is in legislative or executive or judiciary.
“It is an opportunity to bring together all the ministries, persons with disabilities, and Non-Governmental Organizations to discuss a template for inclusive governance. We created a pathway for that synergy and duty bearers to commit to what they will do to ensure that persons with disabilities are carried along.
The town hall had in attendance several permanent secretaries from relevant ministries in Bayelsa State, the Secretary to the state government, Leaders in the disability community, civil society organizations, various clusters of persons with disabilities, and organizations of persons with disabilities.
Consultancy: Production of Radio Drama
Job Title: Consultancy: Production of Radio Drama Location: Abuja Employment Type: Contract Application deadline: 15th September 2025 Ahead of the November 8th governorship election in Anambra State, TAF Africa, under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN II) Programme, is producing a disability inclusion radio drama series titled Able-to-Vote. The drama series will consist of 8 episodes, each running for 5 minutes, produced in Pidgin and Igbo languages. The overarching objective of the series is to: The drama, scripted in Pidgin and Igbo, aims to: Reduce voter apathy among eligible PWDs in Anambra State. Provide insights into the inclusion of PWDs in politics and governance. Promote public awareness of assistive tools and priority voting rights. The drama script has already been developed and will be handed over to the selected vendor for production. Background:TAF Africa is seeking the services of a professional producer or production company to oversee the end-to-end production process, to ensure quality delivery, accessibility, and timely submission. Objectives: To produce, direct, and deliver a high-quality 8-episode radio drama using the provided script. The vendor will be responsible for engaging professional voice actors, managing production, ensuring quality, and submitting the final product within the stipulated timeframe. Scope of Work The selected consultant will: 1. Pre-Production Review the provided script thoroughly and propose any technical adjustments necessary for radio adaptation (e.g., sound effects, pacing, clarity). Identify and contract professional voice actors to represent the 7 recurring characters across all 8 episodes. Develop a production plan, including casting, a recording schedule, studio arrangements, and a timeline for submission. Lead on casting call 2. Production Record all 8 episodes in Pidgin and Igbo, ensuring correct diction, accent, and cultural relevance for Anambra State audiences. Supervise and direct all voice actors to ensure consistency, character authenticity, and alignment with the drama’s objectives. Integrate appropriate sound effects, background music, and audio transitions to enhance the listening experience and message delivery. Ensure each episode runs within 4 minutes 30 seconds – 5 minutes maximum. 3. Post-Production Edit, mix, and master all 8 episodes to ensure clear, professional broadcast quality. Deliver final versions of the drama in both MP3 and WAV formats (or as directed by TAF Africa). Provide a written episode guide indicating characters, length, and key thematic messages. Expected Deliverables The consultant is expected to deliver: 8 fully produced radio drama episodes (5 minutes each, in Pidgin and Igbo). Final files in MP3 and WAV formats, ready for broadcast. Duration & Timeline The vendor is required to complete the entire production process and deliver all outputs within two (2) weeks from the date of engagement. Qualification The consultant must demonstrate: Proven experience in radio drama production or related audio content creation. Access to a functional recording studio and professional sound equipment. Experience working with multi-lingual productions (Pidgin and Igbo preferred). Strong understanding of cultural and contextual dynamics of Anambra State. Ability to manage tight deadlines without compromising quality. Supervision & Reporting The consultant will work under the direct supervision of TAF Africa’s Programme and Communication Unit. Regular progress updates will be required during the two-week production timeline. Draft versions of episodes shall be submitted for review and feedback before final mastering. Ownership & Rights All intellectual property rights to the scripts, raw footage, final outputs and all materials developed pursuant to this production will remain with TAF Africa. The vendor may not use, distribute, or repurpose the materials without prior written consent. Payment Terms Payment will be structured in tranches: 60% upon contract signing and submission of production plan. 40% upon submission and approval of all final deliverables. How To Apply: Interested and qualified candidates should send their application to procurements@tafafrica.co with the subject line “Consultancy: Production of Radio Drama.” Applications must include: A one-page proposal outlining your creative approach to the drama. Samples of previous work (preferably similar thematic or storytelling projects). A proposed budget or indicative cost for the project. Note: TAF Africa will deduct and remit Withholding Tax to the relevant tax authority. Application Deadline: 15th September 2025 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.