990 NAL Boulevard, Central Business District Abuja
info@tafafrica.co

TAF AFRICA LAUNCHES LEGISLATIVE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM FOR DISABILITY INCLUSION IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

... Strengthening Inclusive Governance

TAF Africa, with support from the European Union through its “Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria” (EU-SDGN II) program, organized a two-day intensive training for nine persons with disabilities (PWD) selected as interns to serve in the House of Representatives. This initiative aims to promote disability-inclusive policies and legislation by equipping selected PWDs with the knowledge and skills to influence key legislative practices within the House of Representatives.

The training aimed to equip the interns with a deep understanding of legislative practices and procedures, enabling them to support relevant committees effectively. Specifically, the program sought to build their capacity to integrate disability considerations into policy-making and legislative outputs. The nine PWD interns, drawn from a pool of established disability inclusion advocates, are set to begin a six-month placement in nine key committees within the House of Representatives.

The initiative reflects a deliberate effort to ensure that the voices and aspirations of Nigeria’s disability community are represented at the highest levels of governance. The deployment strategy, which involves embedding interns in committees, is designed to ensure that critical legislative activities, including appropriation and oversight functions, reflect a disability-inclusive perspective.

The program’s strategic design was highlighted during the training sessions, which incorporated adult learning methods to promote active participation and shared learning. These methods included direct facilitation, slide presentations, role-playing exercises, and scenario-based discussions. Participants engaged in a simulated budget defense process, providing them with hands-on experience in navigating legislative processes.

Expert facilitators, including Benjamin Ekeyi, a seasoned Development Specialist and Legislative Policy Analyst, and Kelvin Ogburie, the Special Adviser on Equal Opportunity to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, played pivotal roles in preparing the interns for their responsibilities. Ekeyi provided an in-depth overview of the National Assembly’s structure and budget processes, emphasizing the critical importance of engaging at the committee level, where legislative work is most impactful.

Ogburie examined the specific roles of PWD interns, outlining their responsibilities in ensuring that disability inclusion is mainstreamed across legislative activities. He emphasized the necessity of understanding committee operations and contributing to the integration of disability-focused perspectives into legislative frameworks. Additionally, the Special Adviser on Inter-parliamentary Affairs and Public Relations to the Speaker, Chimdi Neliaku, facilitated a session on legislative processes and advocacy strategies, ensuring the interns were well-versed in practical approaches to influencing policy development.

The training also emphasized the importance of curiosity and continuous learning, encouraging participants to seek knowledge about legislative procedures and disability advocacy. Interns were urged to ask questions and actively engage with committee members to maximize their impact.

Representing the CEO and Founder of TAF Africa, Amb. Jake Epelle, at the opening ceremony, Muyiwa Aderibigbe welcomed participants and stressed the critical role of disability inclusion in governance. He called on the interns to view their placement not merely as an opportunity but as a significant responsibility to strengthen disability inclusion within Nigeria’s legislative system. The program manager, Adeolu Kilanko, outlined the overarching goals of the internship. He expressed optimism that by the end of the six-month placement, the interns’ contributions would lead to a more disability-inclusive National Assembly. This vision aligns with the broader aspirations of the disability community, which seeks to ensure that legislative outputs and processes genuinely reflect their needs and rights.

This initiative holds the promise of not only enhancing the representation of persons with disabilities in legislative processes but also ensuring that their voices are integral to the nation’s policy and decision-making. As the interns prepare to begin their assignments, the program is poised to be a catalyst for change, contributing to the creation of a legislative environment that genuinely champions the rights and aspirations of persons with disabilities.

More Posts

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

TAF Africa and European Union in Nigeria make history with first PWD Legislative Internship program

https://youtu.be/yHteZEpn1oU History was made at Nigeria’s National Assembly! For the first time, interns with disabilities worked inside legislative committees, shaping conversations and proving that democracy is stronger when it is inclusive. Watch their inspiring journey in TAF Africa‘s new documentary, funded by the European Union in Nigeria under its European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria programme.

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn