The Federal Government has pledged stronger collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council to end workplace discrimination against journalists living with disabilities.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba, gave the assurance in Abuja when he received the NUJ FCT Council Committee on Disability led by Comrade Jide Oyekunle and Comrade Kehinde Akintola.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and over 35 million Nigerians with disabilities, Hon. Abba reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to providing safe, accessible, and disability-friendly environments across the country.
“My office will be working hand in hand with the NUJ FCT Council under the able leadership of Comrade Grace Ike to ensure that no journalist suffers discrimination or mistreatment on account of disability,” Hon. Abba said.
He described the media as a critical partner in advancing inclusion, amplifying the voices of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and showcasing their contributions to national development. He also commended the NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, for her foresight in setting up the Disability Committee, described it as a historic step in the Nigerian media industry.
“One of our biggest partners in fulfilling this mandate is indeed the media. Without the media, our voices cannot be amplified; and when our voices are not amplified, they cannot be heard. This is why we place a very high premium on our relationship with the NUJ, because through your platform, not only can we give visibility to the challenges faced by PWDs, but we can also showcase their talents, innovations, and contributions to national development,” he added.
In her remarks, Chairman, NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, represented by Council Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, expressed the NUJ FCT Council’s readiness to work with stakeholders to promote ethical journalism, press freedom, and inclusive reporting. She also pledged the Council’s commitment to using its platforms across print, broadcast, and digital media to challenge stereotypes and correct negative narratives about PWDs.
“This visit is not only to express solidarity, but also to reaffirm our willingness to work with your office in driving awareness, correcting stereotypes, as well as negative identities which many people have placed on persons with disabilities,” Ike said.
She noted that the NUJ FCT Council Committee on Disability, led by Comrade Kehinde Akintola, has already made notable interventions for members, and expressed confidence that collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant would deepen efforts to promote inclusivity.
On his part, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council Committee on Disability, Comrade Kehinde Akintola, applauded the progress made by Hon. Abba since assuming office, but stressed the need for full enforcement of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018. He described the Act as a monumental step but warned that implementation remains a major challenge, particularly within the media industry.
He therefore urged Hon. Abba to consider setting up a Presidential Committee that would ensure compliance with the Act at all levels.
The highpoint of the courtesy visit was the presentation of a Charter of Requests by the NUJ FCT Council Committee on Disability to the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities for consideration and implementation.
