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.

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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Call for Supply of Laptops and Office Chairs

TAF Africa, a leading disability inclusion organisation advancing the rights, inclusion, and meaningful participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in governance, democratic processes, education, and economic empowerment, is inviting quotations from competent and reputable vendors for the supply of laptops and ergonomic office chairs. This procurement is being carried out under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SGDN) Programme, Component 5B, to equip project staff with the tools they need to deliver on programme objectives. Objective To procure durable, high-performance laptops and ergonomic office chairs for project staff in line with the operational requirements of the EU-SGDN Programme, Component 5B. Scope of Supply S/N Item Minimum Specification Quantity 1 Laptop Computers Intel Core i7 (11th Gen or higher), 16GB RAM or higher, 500GB SSD or higher, backlit keyboard, touchscreen display, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, integrated webcam, original Windows 11 Professional (or latest version) 4 Units 2 Office Chairs High-back ergonomic design, adjustable seat height, adjustable armrests, lumbar support, breathable mesh or premium upholstery, five-wheel base, 360° swivel, gas lift mechanism 6 Units All equipment must be brand-new, come with a minimum one-year manufacturer warranty, and be delivered fully packaged with warranty documentation. Who Can Apply Interested vendors should be able to provide: Certificate of Incorporation (CAC) Valid Tax Clearance Certificate Company Profile demonstrating relevant experience Evidence of at least three similar supply contracts Manufacturer’s Authorization (where applicable) Evidence of warranty support Quotation in Nigerian Naira (NGN), inclusive of taxes, transport, and delivery costs Delivery timeline Evaluation Criteria Submissions will be assessed on compliance with technical specifications, vendor experience, product quality, delivery schedule, warranty and after-sales support, cost competitiveness, and completeness of documentation. Delivery and Payment The successful vendor must complete delivery within 14 calendar days of contract award or issuance of a Purchase Order. Payment will be made after successful delivery, inspection, acceptance of items, and submission of all required documentation. How to Submit Send the following by email: Financial quotation Pictures of items Years of warranty Required supporting documents Email subject line: “Supply of Laptops and Office Chairs” Send to: procurements@tafafrica.co Submission deadline: 12th August 2026 General Conditions TAF Africa reserves the right to accept or reject any quotation without assigning a reason. Submission of a quotation does not constitute a commitment to award a contract. Only shortlisted vendors will be contacted for further clarification or negotiation. All supplied equipment must be genuine, brand new, and free from defects.

TAF Africa Joins the Citizens’ Townhall Meeting on Osun

TAF Africa Trains 150 PWD Observers for #OsunDecides2026 Governorship Election

TAF Africa, under the Able2Vote initiative, has completed a two-day training for 150 Persons with Disabilities (PWD) as Election Observers ahead of the Osun State Governorship Election, supported by the EU-SDGN Programme. Osogbo, Osun State — 23rd–24th July 2026 Ahead of the highly anticipated #OsunDecides2026 Governorship Election, TAF Africa has equipped 150 Persons with Disabilities across Osun State with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to serve as credible, independent election observers. The two-day Election Observers Training took place in Osogbo under TAF Africa’s Able2Vote initiative and the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme. Building Skilled, Confident Observers The training opened with registration and an official welcome session, where George Anwayi, Assistant Programme Manager at TAF Africa, introduced participants to the workshop’s purpose and objectives. This was followed by a presentation from Dr. Andrew Adaji, Programme Manager at TAF Africa, providing an overview of TAF Africa’s Election Inclusion Strategy under the EU-SDGN Programme — setting the stage for why PWD-led observation matters for a truly representative democratic process. Participants then moved into practical, skills-focused sessions covering: The Role of Election Observers — expected conduct, security tips, and personal safety guidance for observers on election day, led by George Anwayi. Using the Observers’ Checklist — practical guidance on applying the checklist effectively to ensure accurate and credible reporting. The TAF Disability Hub App — a hands-on session led by Kohol Iornav, IT Officer at TAF Africa, walking participants through the app’s use for observation and reporting, including a live demonstration of uploading reports and eyewitness entries directly from the field. The day’s learning was reinforced through group discussions and role play, giving observers the chance to practice real election-day scenarios before the training closed with a reflection session and closing remarks from Dr. Andrew Adaji. Why This Training Matters Election observation is only as credible as the people carrying it out — and only as inclusive as the voices it represents. By training 150 Persons with Disabilities as official observers, TAF Africa is ensuring that the accessibility and inclusiveness of the Osun State Governorship Election is monitored by people who understand disability inclusion firsthand. Armed with the TAF Disability Hub App, these observers will be able to document real-time, credible reports and eyewitness accounts directly from polling locations across the state. This effort reflects TAF Africa’s continued commitment to disability inclusion in governance and electoral processes — ensuring that Inclusive Democracy is not just a slogan, but a lived reality for Osun State voters. Partnership and Support This training was delivered under TAF Africa’s Able2Vote initiative, with support from the European Union in Nigeria through the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme.

Advancing Media Inclusivity Ahead of #OsunDecides2026 and Beyond: TAF Africa Convenes Media Executives, Regulators, and PWD Leaders for Reflection Meeting on Inclusive Reporting in Osun State

Oshogbo, Osun State — Wednesday, 22nd July 2026 As Osun State moves closer to a new election cycle under the banner of #OsunDecides2026, TAF Africa is working to ensure that the voices of women and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are not just heard, but meaningfully reflected in how the media covers the process — and beyond. In collaboration with the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, International Press Centre (IPC) Nigeria, and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), TAF Africa convened a Reflection Meeting with Media Executives, Regulators, and PWD Leadership on Media Inclusivity in Oshogbo, Osun State. The event brought together over 50 delegates, including senior media executives, regulators, and staff from implementing partner organisations, for a full day of dialogue, reflection, and practical skill-building. A Day of Reflection and Action The meeting opened with welcome remarks from TAF Africa, followed by a session from IPC providing an overview of the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU SDGN) programme and its partners, alongside updates on inclusive reporting practices and the Media Code of Election Coverage. Two standout interactive sessions anchored the day’s programme: “Whose Story Made the News?” — an opening exercise led by the Nigerian Women Trust Fund that challenged participants to critically examine whose perspectives are typically centred, and whose are left out, in everyday news coverage. “You Are the Editor” — an interactive editorial challenge involving all participants, designed to put media professionals in the decision-making seat and confront the real editorial choices that shape inclusive — or exclusive — coverage. Between these sessions, CEMESO led a presentation and review of the Media Inclusivity Guidelines, giving media executives and regulators a shared framework for evaluating and improving how their outlets represent women and PWDs. The day also introduced a forward-looking initiative: IPC and CEMESO jointly presented a Mentorship and Follow-up Framework for Media Houses, laying the groundwork for sustained support and accountability well beyond the meeting itself. The programme closed with an open reflections session hosted by TAF Africa, giving delegates the chance to share commitments and chart a way forward. Why This Work Matters Inclusive media coverage is not a peripheral issue — it is central to a functioning democracy. When women and Persons with Disabilities are excluded from media narratives, their concerns, candidacies, and contributions risk being excluded from public discourse and decision-making as well. By bringing media executives, regulators, and PWD leadership into the same room, this reflection meeting created space for honest conversation about current gaps and shared commitment to closing them. Inclusive media = Inclusive democracy. Together, we are making it happen. Funding and Partnership This high-level engagement was made possible through the generous support of the European Union in Nigeria, delivered through the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU SDGN) programme. TAF Africa remains committed to championing disability inclusion and driving equitable representation across every sector of public life — including the newsrooms that shape how Nigerians see themselves and each other.