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Security Agencies Pledge Protection For Persons With Disabilities Ahead of Anambra Governorship Election

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Elections in Nigeria have long been seen as a test of the nation’s democratic resilience. But for many citizens, particularly Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), elections are not just about casting votes; they are about safety, access, dignity, and the fight to be seen and heard in a system that too often forgets them.

In Anambra State, the stakes are high as the governorship election approaches. While security concerns remain a major issue in the region, for PWDs, those concerns are compounded by years of systemic exclusion and a lack of understanding of their rights, both by those meant to protect them and by society at large.

But in the first week of July 2025, an important dialogue unfolded in Awka, the state capital. Thanks to the Able2Vote campaign, an initiative of TAF Africa supported by the European Union through its support for democratic governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN), leaders of the disability community and security agencies in the state came together in a rare but impactful engagement. The goal was simple: to build trust, enhance coordination, and ensure that PWDs are not left vulnerable on election day.

The event brought together representatives of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and key leaders from the disability community under one roof. It was a conversation rather than a lecture. And it was one long overdue.

Opening the discussion, ASP Ndoma Akpo Ndoma, representing the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, assured the gathering that security agencies are ready and committed to protecting everyone, especially persons with disabilities, on election day.

“Every voter matters. The command is working to ensure that at least five officers are stationed at each polling unit. Nobody will be left behind,” Ndoma said.

His words were echoed by Mrs Stella Onwuakagba, Deputy Commandant of the NSCDC and Head of Campaign and Electioneering, who described the engagement as “timely and enlightening.”

“We’ve gained a better understanding of how to protect and support PWDs, not as an act of pity, but as a fundamental right,” she emphasized. “Our officers will ensure that PWDs are the first to cast their votes. We have been trained and equipped to do this right.”

Mrs Onwuakagba’s passion was evident. She spoke of internal training spearheaded by their Commandant, Mr Olatunde Maku, and promised that this new knowledge would be shared with officers across the command.

But perhaps the most powerful moments of the event came from the voices of PWDs themselves.

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Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), challenged security agencies to go beyond promises.

“We need holistic protection. This is not just about getting to vote; it’s about being treated with respect and dignity. Security agencies must work hand in hand with our community,” he said.

Adding to this, Chidinma Ajemba, Public Relations Officer of JONAPWD, raised a critical issue: the restriction of movement on election day.

“For many of us, it’s not about whether we want to vote. It’s about whether we can get to where we can vote,” she lamented. “Our mobility is limited. We need support to ensure we can participate, either as voters or as accredited observers.”

Mrs Onwuakagba was quick to respond, assuring PWDs that if they carried their observer tags or permanent voter cards, they would not be hindered from moving to polling units.

George Anwayi, Senior Programme Officer at TAF Africa and a person with physical disability, reminded all present that inclusion doesn’t stop at the ballot box.

“PWDs should not only vote, but they should also be voted for,” he said. “Many of our members are highly educated and capable. They can be ministers, commissioners, or advisers. We must challenge stereotypes and remove the barriers.”

Anwayi also cited Section 54 of the Electoral Act, which mandates the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide assistive tools like braille ballot guides, magnifying glasses, and large-font posters to ensure PWDs can vote independently and with dignity.

The room was filled with applause for the sense of possibility that now exists. Persons with disabilities were not merely spoken about, they were spoken with. Their needs were not side notes; they were the focus.

As the Anambra governorship election draws near, the message remains that Inclusion in democracy is non-negotiable. And with platforms like Able2Vote, the gap between policy and reality is beginning to close.

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 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.

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