Media, Disability, and The Ballot: Journalists in Anambra Trained to Drive Inclusive Electoral Coverage

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In the lead-up to the 2025 governorship election in Anambra State, an important and timely conversation is emerging, one that centers not just on votes but on visibility, dignity, and inclusion. At the heart of this shift is a strategic media engagement organized by TAF Africa, with funding support from the European Union under its support to democratic governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme. Themed “Able to Vote: Bridging Media and the Disability Community for Inclusive Participation in Anambra,” the event brought together journalists and disability advocates for a deep and necessary dialogue on changing the media narrative around persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the electoral space.

The engagement was a deliberate effort to confront and dismantle the entrenched media habits that have long marginalized persons with disabilities in election reporting. Journalists from across the three senatorial zones gathered to learn, unlearn, and relearn how stories can shape participation and perceptions.

“Too often, stories about persons with disabilities are either reduced to tales of pity,” said Mr. Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda, during his session on Framing the Media Narrative on Disability. “The danger is not just in the inaccuracies, but in the harm they cause, harm that can extend to shaping policies, denying rights, and perpetuating exclusion.”

Ojo emphasized that media narratives have power, and with that power comes responsibility. He urged journalists to move beyond passive coverage and take on investigative roles that probe how inclusive institutions like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and political parties truly are. “Ask questions,” he said. “Are assistive tools like braille ballot guides and magnifying glasses really reaching voters who need them? Are parties fielding candidates with disabilities or merely paying lip service to inclusion?”

Also speaking at the event, Barr. Peter Moneke, Legal Adviser to the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Anambra State, echoed the call for deeper inclusion. He reminded participants that democracy demands not only that persons with disabilities cast votes but that they are visible and supported throughout the entire electoral process, including as aspirants and political office holders.

“It’s not enough to vote,” Moneke said. “We must also have persons with disabilities at the table where decisions are made. That’s true representation.”

Lynn Agwuncha, Senior Communication Officer at TAF Africa, struck a chord with the participants when she acknowledged their presence and dedication. “Your role is not just to report,” she said, “but to reflect the realities of every citizen, especially those who have been historically ignored. This partnership between the media and the disability community is essential if we are serious about building inclusive elections.”

Adding to this, Mr. George Anwayi, Senior Programme Officer at TAF Africa, emphasized the importance of accuracy and empathy in disability coverage. “Words matter. Images matter. Context matters. Every headline, every caption, and every frame should respect the humanity and rights of persons with disabilities.”

The training covered key thematic areas designed to reshape how journalists engage with disability issues:

Ethical and inclusive language in reporting

Challenging stereotypes and harmful tropes

Collaborating with organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs)

Crafting story angles that spotlight inclusion in electoral processes

Holding institutions accountable through investigative journalism

Beyond the sessions and technical know-how, what made the event striking was the shared commitment to doing better, not just in print or on-air, but in attitude and approach. Journalists at the training expressed both surprise and determination, admitting how much had been missed in past reporting and vowing to turn a new page.

“I didn’t realize how narrow our reporting lens has been until now,” said one participant. “This training has opened my eyes to stories waiting to be told, and more importantly, how to tell them with dignity.”

Another journalist remarked, “Disability is not a tragedy. Exclusion is. That’s what we need to report.”

The event was a gentle reminder that inclusion doesn’t begin at the polling unit; it begins in the stories that shape public consciousness. And with the knowledge and tools shared at the training, journalists in Anambra are better equipped to ensure that throughout the electoral cycle for the gubernatorial elections, come November 8, 2025, the voices of persons with disabilities will be heard, respected, recognized, and represented.

We streamed live on Facebook! Watch it again on Youtube!

Consultant – Documentary Consultant

Job Title: Consultancy: Production of Documentary on the PWD Legislative Internship Programme Location : Abuja Employment Type : Contract Duration : 2 weeks 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. Background TAF Africa is seeking the services of a skilled and experienced documentary filmmaker or production company to produce a high-quality, compelling documentary on its PWD Legislative Internship Programme. Funded by the European Union through its Support to democratic Governaance in Nigeria EU-SDGN) programmes, the programme deployed 10 persons with disabilities (PWDs) as legislative interns to various committees within the National Assembly. The documentary will capture the impact of the programme on the interns’ personal and professional development, as well as its contribution to disability inclusion within the legislative process. The goal is to tell the stories of transformation, empowerment, and institutional progress resulting from this intervention — highlighting outcomes, challenges overcome, and future possibilities. Objectives To highlight how the programme contributed to shaping inclusive legislative practices and deepening the participation of PWDs in governance. To highlight how the European Union is entrenching disability-inclusive legislative practice through its SDGN programme. To amplify the interns’ personal growth stories, professional achievements, and the perspectives of mentors and legislative stakeholders. To inspire policymakers, donors, civil society, and the public through storytelling that affirms the value of inclusion. Scope of Work The consultant will be required to: Conduct interviews with interns, committee members, and other key stakeholders. Capture B-roll footage within the National Assembly and, where relevant, other locations such as the interns’ communities or workplaces. Film, edit, deliver and support the scripting of a 15–30 minutes documentary suitable for broadcast, events, and digital platforms. Provide subtitles and engage the services of a sign language interpreter. Submit a short promotional teaser and still photographs from the shoot. Other services provision: At the end of this assignment, a compelling documentary should be produced. Specifically, the following output will be generated by the consultant: One fully produced documentary (15–30 minutes) telling the story of the PWD Legislative Internship Programme. One trailer (1–2 minutes) for promotional use. A selection of still images from filming. All raw footage and project files are submitted on a hard drive or via cloud. A letter assigning all intellectual property rights in the documentary to TAF Africa. QualificationsThe consultant must have proven experience in documentary storytelling with a focus on governance, inclusion, social impact, or human rights. Demonstrated ability to capture and communicate emotionally engaging, human-centered stories. Access to professional-grade video, sound, and editing equipment. Ability to deliver a polished final product within a tight timeframe. Experience working respectfully with marginalized groups, particularly persons with disabilities, is highly desirable. How To ApplyInterested and qualified candidates should send their application to procurements@tafafrica.co with the subject line “Consultancy: Production of Documentary on the PWD Legislative Internship.”Applications must include: A one-page proposal outlining your creative approach to the documentary. Samples of previous work (preferably similar thematic or visual storytelling projects). A proposed budget or indicative cost for the project. Application Deadline: 16th July 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.

DISABILITY INCLUSION RADIO: Learning Governance Up Close – PWD Interns Share Their National Assembly

Two of our PWD interns, Barrister Rex Eramah and Eunice U Nwokocha, joined our host, Jennifer Ogor, on Radio Nigeria (FRCN) to reflect on their journey so far; the lessons they’re learning, the systems they’re observing, and how this rare opportunity is shaping their perspectives as advocates for inclusive governance. With funding from the European Union in Nigeria through its European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria programme, we deployed 10 young persons with disabilities to the National Assembly for a 3-month internship programme. The goal is to expose them to legislative practices and processes while promoting disability inclusion within governance spaces. Now, nine weeks into the programme, these interns are not only gaining firsthand experience inside the House of Representatives but are also participating in fieldwork that connects policy to real-life issues. Join our next conversation live next week on Radio Nigeria and Facebook Live! Watch today’s show on youtube! https://youtu.be/15EcGzhQ3zs

Reflection Meeting on Finding of the Political Inclusion Index

In this episode, we opened the door to a conversation that’s both deeply personal for our guest and nationally urgent: Inclusive Education. In 2023, Nigeria adopted a renewed National Policy on Inclusive Education, a step that could potentially change everything if properly implemented. Keep a date with us on the 6th of June.

DISABILITY INCLUSION RADIO: Learning Governance Up Close – PWD Interns Share Their National Assembly Journey

Tomorrow at 10:00 am, two of our PWD interns will join us on Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria to reflect on their journey so far; the lessons they’re learning, the systems they’re observing, and how this rare opportunity is shaping their perspectives as advocates for inclusive governance. With funding from the Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, through its support to democratic governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN), we deployed 10 young persons with disabilities to the National Assembly for a 3-month internship programme. The goal is to expose them to legislative practices and processes while promoting disability inclusion within governance spaces. Now, nine weeks into the programme, these interns are not only gaining firsthand experience inside the House of Representatives but are also participating in fieldwork that connects policy to real-life issues. Keep a date with us on the 11th of July. ALSO FEATURED: MAKING INCLUSIVE EDUCATION A REALITY IN NIGERIA with Shamsiyyah Umar – Watch, LIke, Comment Below!