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TAF Africa Calls For Renewed Commitment To Disability-Inclusive Societies On The 2025 International Day Of Persons With Disabilities (IDPD)

TAF AFRICA PRESS STATEMENT

3 December 2025 | Abuja, Nigeria

TAF Africa joins the global community today to commemorate the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) under the theme “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress”. This year’s observance offers an important opportunity to reflect on how far we have come, and how far we must still go to ensure that persons with disabilities are not only included but empowered as equal contributors to national development.

The 2025 theme is especially significant as it builds on the momentum of the Second World Summit for Social Development held in Doha from 4 – 6 November 2025, where world leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to building a just, inclusive, peaceful, and equitable world. At the Summit, disability inclusion featured prominently as a fundamental pillar of social justice and sustainable development. For Nigeria, these global commitments must translate into accelerated action at home.

As an organisation dedicated to strengthening the full participation of persons with disabilities in governance, democracy, and development, TAF Africa acknowledges the progress made. Yet, we remain deeply concerned that millions of Nigerians with disabilities still face systemic exclusion in education, healthcare, employment, public infrastructure, political participation, and digital access.

In line with today’s global message, we call for:

1. Full enforcement of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018: 

Seven years after its passage, full compliance, especially in accessible infrastructure, public services, and protection from discrimination, remains critically low. Governments at all levels must prioritise implementation, budget allocation, and monitoring.

2. Institutionalisation of disability inclusion across all sectors:

From elections to economic planning, disability inclusion cannot remain an afterthought. MDAs, the private sector, and development agencies must embed disability responsive frameworks into policies, programs, and service delivery.

3. Strengthening political participation of persons with disabilities

Democracy is incomplete without the voices of all citizens. We urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, security agencies, and civil society to full implement disability-inclusive electoral processes in future elections

4. Investment in accessible technology, innovation, and social protection

Equitable digital access, assistive devices, inclusive social protection systems, and economic empowerment initiatives are essential for social progress and long-term national development.

5. Partnership-driven solutions

Achieving an inclusive society requires strong collaboration among government, civil society, organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), private sector actors, the media, and international partners. We reaffirm our commitment to working with all stakeholders to drive lasting change.

Today, TAF Africa celebrates the resilience, innovation, and leaders of persons with disabilities across Nigeria and the African continent. Their contributions to governance, entrepreneurship, education, the creative economy, technology, and community development continue to inspire our collective pursuit of justice and equality.

As the world renews its commitment to social development following the Doha Summit, Nigeria must seize this moment to reaffirm that disability inclusion is a national priority, not optional, not symbolic, but essential.

Let today be a reminder that a truly inclusive society is one where every individual, regardless of disability status, can live with dignity, exercise their rights fully, and contribute meaningfully to national progress.

Signed:
Ambassador Jake Epelle Fnipr
CEO/Founder
TAF Africa

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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 Trains 150 PWD Observers for #OsunDecides2026 Governorship Election

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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.

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