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.
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!
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! https://youtu.be/sa0ouOIUn8s
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. We streamed live on Facebook! Watch it again on Youtube!
As part of the D-RAPID program, TAF Africa held a Community Town Hall meeting in Warri South, Delta to sensitize Persons With Disabilities on the need to register on the National Disability Portal. We also created awareness on the Disability Act that has just been passed by the Delta State Government.
On 19th June, 2025, TAF Africa, through the EU D-RAPID program, held a Quarterly Stakeholders meeting. The stakeholders were drawn from Minister of women Affairs, Economic Planning, Finance, Health, Housing, Energy, Education, to discuss the effective Implementation of the disability law in Delta state
About TAF Africa TAF Africa is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization originally established to promote the health, socio-economic rights, well-being, and empowerment of persons with albinism. The organization has since evolved into a leading voice advocating for the recognition, respect, and inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria and around the world. TAF Africa contributes to legislative and policy actions that promote the rights of PWDs and the effective mainstreaming of inclusion. Background TAF Africa invites qualified vendors to submit quotations for the purchase of five (5) new tires for a Ford 150 vehicle, tire size 265/70 R17. Expected Deliverables Five (5) new 265/70 R17 tires for Ford 150. How to Apply Interested vendors should submit their quotations via email to contracts@tafafrica.co with the subject line: RFQ: 5 New Tires for Ford 150 Application Deadline: 9th July 2025 Terms and Conditions This Request for Quotation (RFQ) is not, and shall not be considered, an offer by TAF Africa. All submissions must be received on or before the deadline indicated above. Late submissions will not be considered. Incomplete or unresponsive submissions will be rejected. Any award made will be subject to TAF Africa’s contractual terms and conditions and contingent upon the availability of donor funding. TAF Africa reserves the right to accept or reject any submission or cancel the solicitation process at any time without liability to the submitting party. TAF Africa reserves the right to accept all or part of a submission. All information provided by TAF Africa in this RFQ is offered in good faith. Items are subject to change, and all participating vendors will be notified accordingly. TAF Africa is not responsible for any use of the information provided nor any resulting claims. TAF Africa reserves the right to require the selected vendor(s) to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). All costs incurred by the vendor in preparing and submitting a response are solely the responsibility of the vendor. All submitted documents will become the property of TAF Africa, subject to confidentiality claims clearly marked by the vendor. TAF Africa may select and award contracts to multiple vendors as deemed necessary.
As Anambra State prepares for the governorship election, TAF Africa, with support from the EU_SDGN programme, continues to roll out initiatives to ensure that voters with disabilities are fully included in the process. Join Us, from July 2 – 4, 2025, on Facebook Live To start, catch up with our Able2Vote Guide. https://youtu.be/9fWWE2lldzQ?list=PLPDmBjtWTrhLH7IXnJL0sxx1C5erBH2Mh
