Inclusion demands

Create disability and inclusion desk, Newsrooms charged

A commitment to the issue of disability and inclusion is seen when actions correspond with speeches.  A concerted action from every stakeholder will provoke faster acceleration of goals.  Issue of inclusion is everyone’s duty.  Everyone must be positioned to do their parts. The above and other thoughts were shared by faculty and participants at the Disability and inclusion reporting fellowship for Newsrooms in Northern Nigeria and Federal Capital Territory, a project that the centre ran in conjunction with   Africa Foundation for Young Media professionals as part of media initiative project

Cross section of the participants

The project is the second phase of Disability and inclusion reporting fellowship, which has been a yearly project since 2022. If the society must run faster in its inclusive and sustainable society drive, every stakeholder, including the media must be active in pushing the agenda. Media role in behavioural change communication is huge.

The 2-day intensive workshop event in Abuja, which was held between June 12-13, 2024, kick started the 2024 fellowship. The centre’s Executive Director, Yinka Olaito, took participants on the foundation of the course as well as charged them to understand that society can no longer wait. But first, if the media must readily do its work, they need knowledge about the issues they want to communicate.

Yinka Olaito called on Newsrooms to see the need to urgently create a disability and inclusion desk. “Newsrooms cannot stay behind if they truly want a change in societal behaviour. Journalists must be seen to do the right thing as well as lead the change”.

Oluseyi Olufemi, another faculty, on the other hand talked about the value of data in disability and inclusion reporting. He emphasized “data is not just about numbers; it must help the society see its impacts or failure”. Oluseyi demonstrated how data can enhance disability and inclusion reporting without been sensational,

On the second day of the event, Yinka Olaito also charged the participants to embrace learning in the area of appropriate language use. Words are powerful. “Even though the language use in the community is evolving, the more aware reporters are the better for their reportage” Yinka Olaito concluded.

Hannah Olayinka, an accessibility expert, charged participants on the need to embrace international protocol as well as good grasp of various charters of human rights of persons with disabilities entail so they can help cascade these to the rural community.

Adebayo Adebukola on his part challenged the participants to increase their knowledge about building collaboration and partnership for disability and inclusion reporting. While Journalists are supposed to know something about everything, they still need informed experts as sources in creating credible news items that are empowering as well as propel actions from the consumers.

Participants expressed their gratitude to the vent organizers about the new knowledge they just gained and itemised action steps they will be embarking on.

Aisha Shuaibi Baddegi of Citizen FM said “I have gained new insights and will begin to inculcate these in my reporting”. Another participant, Laraba Murrey, a reporter with Abuja Inquirer said “I am so happy to be part of this fellowship this year as I missed the fellowship narrowly last year. I am now better equipped than before and ready to distil this new found knowledge in my reporting”

Duro Maliki shared “I now have a better and informed understanding of disability and Inclusion Reporting. With this new armed knowledge, I see a new direction I should follow as a broadcast journalist with interest in disability and inclusion Reporting”.

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Digital Rights

16 African Journalists trained on Disability and Inclusion reporting

The global landscape and demand for inclusion in every sphere is putting pressure on every profession to play its roles. Journalism, media play vital roles in serving as catalyst for development as well as a channel of change orientation. If the world must get it right, journalists, broadcasters need to be ahead of all in information sharing which will strengthen inclusion protocols.

It is very clear that if journalists, broadcasters remain in the dark concerning any area, the hope of society of excelling in that area is slim. Disability and inclusion reporting is a technical area that requires knowledge and strong ability of media practitioners to communicate and break down issues in this area will make a great difference especially in Africa where the orientation about persons with disabilities related to ‘god is punishing the individual or the parents who gave birth to one.

A session on partnership and collaboration led by Treasures Uchegbu

The approach of many to persons with disabilities had largely been influenced by charity or humanitarian outlook. The media industry has a major role in dispersing such stereotypes as well as traditional beliefs that are not empowering.

Given the above scenario, Africa Foundation for Young Media Professionals(AFYMP) in conjunction with Centre for Disability and Inclusion Africa continues to organize yearly fellowship on Disability and Inclusion Reporting fellowship which spans six months beginning with 2  day intensive workshop where experts are brought together to expose participants(broadcasters, journalists across Africa) to fundamental of such reporting. This is often followed by mentoring as well as story publishing to affirm authenticity of knowledge gain.

2024 Disability and inclusion reporting started with a call for applications to select about 16 journalists, broadcasters. The call for application attracted over 200 submissions. The two days’ workshop (organized in hybrid form) was held at University of Ibadan Hotels. While welcoming the participants who had expressed willingness to learn, engage with relevant information that can help them become effective; Yinka Olaito, Executive director of AFYMP charged participants to place a premium on every section of the training as every section means so much if they will gain enhanced knowledge.

T

A session on essential of data to Disability and Inclusion reporting led by Disability and inclusion Consultant , Dr Toyn

he two days had experts from the industry exposed the participants fundamental and etiquette of disability and inclusion reporting, urgency, importance of data, language use, partnership and collaboration building, from awareness to action, group presentation etc

Feedback from the seven in-persons’ participants indicated that the simplicity of the session through breakdown of technical knowledge made a lot of difference. Another participant expressed her appreciation by saying “I used to carry the erroneous belief that PWDs are cursed or inhuman but with this training I had come to understand PWDs are as humans as every other person on street and that their rights are human rights as well”,

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Disability and inclusion media traing

KFC and Debola Daniel, discriminations against PWDs in Nigeria must stop- Yinka Olaito

“To be a disabled in Nigeria is to be undesirable, unwelcome and unaccepted. As I’ve said before, it is lonely, it is a lonely, scary and isolated place”- Debola Daniels, a PWD

Being disabled often rolls over my spirit, leaving behind a trail of shattered dignity and forgotten humanity. Nowhere more so than in Nigeria.”- Debola Daniel

The experience of Debola Daniel, a mobility impaired person who uses wheelchair. on March 26, 2024 continues to characterised discriminations many persons with disabilities experience in Nigeria. This is so for especially many with no voice or connection. Debola Daniel happened to be a passenger at Murtala Muhammed Airport this day and while waiting for his flight, he and his family made the choice of going Kentucky Fried Chicken(KFC) within the premise. But according to him, which he made a thread of on his X(twitter) account, a female manager of the service restaurant did not allow him in saying “No wheel chair allowed”.

From March 26, 2024, Debola Daniel had gained media front-page prominence, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria(FAAN) had wielded the big stick by closing the fast food brand because such behaviour contravenes discrimination against person with disabilities law in Lagos state among others. On his part, the executive director of the centre, Yinka Olaito, had through his media appearances and campaign against such inhuman treatment of Debola Daniel, which is just a fraction of many voiceless and unknown persons with disabilities in Nigeria go through.

While on TVC news, Yinka Olaito said the inhumane treatment, discrimination against persons with disabilities is very pervasive and grossly under reported. According to him “The point is there are many Debola Daniels among PWDs in Nigeria that experienced such discrimination daily. The fundamental or root cause of this is ignorance of laws as well as charity, humanitarian approach to PWDs rights. This must stop”.

Noting that many stakeholders are guilty in this area not even the government and its agencies are left out. For instance, Yinka Olaito said Debola Daniel’s flight  was delayed (this had become a regular occurrence with no penalty). Also that the elevator was not working made him look at the option of going to KFC.

Speaking on Wave FM Port Harcourt on the same issue, Yinka Olaito said “Government and its agencies must lead by example by making all its buildings accessible”.

Yinka Olaito concluded “Nigerians are good people with good interpersonal, cordial relationships with high sense of respect for their neighbours as well as a high regard for inclusiveness. Whatever had gone wrong must be corrected now”” He also called on the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities to scale up its work too in this area

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Digital Rights

CDIA organizes Disability and Inclusion Reporting for Newsrooms

Towards the global race to achieve inclusive and sustainable society, media (Journalists, broadcaster) as catalyst for change must be ready to play its vital roles in raising the critical voices towards such a loft goal.

But for media to perform its roles, it must be effectively equipped with right skills that can help it perform the role. When it comes to inclusion, there are lots of details to cover: challenge wrong belief system, promote fairness for, challenge charity models where persons with disabilities are seen from side of pity and encourage humanitarian approach which gives everyone equal possibilities.

It is obvious Journalists, broadcasters are not all-knowing and there is a need to upscale their skills as occasion demand.

With media advocacy, skill development as a focal point of the centre, in collaboration with Africa Foundation for Young Media Professionals, the centre will be organizing a hybrid training for newsroom members in Nigeria and some parts of Africa on “Disability and Inclusion reporting”.

The essence of this 2-day intensive workshop is to help media practitioners to understand how to properly and accurately cover issues relating to Disability and inclusion, challenge the media to take a lead in building an inclusive society that embraces and empowers all to be their best.

The physical meeting will be held in Ibadan Oyo state while the two day will be livestreamed for other virtual participants. After the training, participants will be mentored over a period of 4 months as well as challenge to publish two stories each in their various media platforms.

Interested participants can apply through the designated Google form here

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Education and PWDs

Oyo State PWDs, Inclusion Community Stakeholders Policy Dialogue

While a disability bill is already enacted in the state with attendant setting up an Agency to oversee affairs of Disability matters in the state, public awareness and more especially PWDs community awareness is still very low. Majority of the public within the state are not aware the agency exists.  

The agency operations in itself is still in its infancy stage trying to gather momentum. Just recently, the agency just set up its administrative office but administrative staff are yet to be fully employed and given the fact that the provision of at least 50% of staff must be persons with disabilities continue to be a challenge. More importantly, finance has been a major factor.

Officials at the event- L-R Comrade Lawal, Executive Assistant to the Governor’s rep, Mr Akinsewa, repr Mr Ajilo Femi, chair JONAPWD oyo state, Evang, Olu Kayode, Rep of Barr. Adekambi, Mrs Temitope Labai, Women leader , Oyo state JONAPWD, Mr Yusuf Olatunji, Mr Ibiyale, rep Commissioner for Women Affairs

Panellists at the event

Above and many other issues were the major concerns of Oyo state Persons with Disabilities(PWDs), Inclusion Communities at the recently held Oyo State PWDs, Inclusion Stakeholders Policy Dialogues, which is part of the project of the centre to gather views of southwest Nigeria Disabilities caucus. The event was held at University of Ibadan hotel on Friday 26th January, 2024.

The event with the theme: Nigeria Inclusive Society: Accessibility, Exclusion and Social relationships” among many others was convened to create an avenue for collaboration, conversation around PWDs rights and their active participation in the society.

The event, which is organized as a panel session, has Hon. Toyin Balogun, the Oyo state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion as chairperson as well as the following as panellists:  Barr, kayode Adekambi, Director of Oyo state Board for Disability Affairs, Mr Ajilo Femi, Oyo state chair of Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities(JONAPWD), Mrs Alabi Temitope Success, Women leader, JONAPWD, Oyo state as well as Mr  Yusuf Olatunji, former secretary-general of JONAWPD while Hon. Femi Timothy, Executive Assistant to the Governor served as special guest at the occasion.

The commissioner, through her representative, Mr Ibiyale, who is the director of rehabilitation in the Ministry, shared her Ministry appreciation with the organization for such a laudable project, emphasized state government’s commitment to issue of PWDs especially to Women with Disabilities and itemised ongoing efforts of her Ministry and that of the state’s government to make life better for PWDs in the state.

The panellists, participants made significant contributions to the dialogue which cut across accessibility, exclusion, social relationship issues, need to promote awareness of existence of Disability agency’s activities; need for transparency and accountability of the agency, needs for collaborations among the stakeholders among other salient issues. Find some of these below:

Key Recommendations

  1. There is need to train staff of   the nascent Oyo state Disability Board to understand its vision, mission and the modus Operandi. The board has to be self-sustainable to play its role.
  2. Working intimately with the media houses in Oyo State is important for correcting negative narratives, stereotypes and public awareness about disability.
  3. Local Government Office holders in Oyo state needs capacity building to understand disability and Inclusion and not exclude PWD in governance.
  4. PWDs need to speak up for themselves, be confrontational where necessary without being violent.
  5. JONAPWD need to position itself as a watchdog to the Oyo state Government in ensuring the inclusion of PWD in Oyo State.
  6. There is need for grassroots engagement, as JONAPWD need to be present and active in all local governments of Oyo state and the use of indigenous languages for awareness is important.
  7. Engage key stakeholders in accessibility and mobility such as structural engineer and Nollywood, financial institutions to correct negative narrative and take on where necessary.
  8. Role modelling and teamwork within the PWD community is important.
  9. Nollywood need a lot of briefing and change orientation in the stereotypical portrayal of PWDs in Nigerian films, Movies

Some of the participants

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Inclusion demands

Osun State PWDs, Inclusion Stakeholders Policy Dialogue

When we talk of disability, often it is not always about the impaired, as we may think, structures and environment can also be disabling. True, we must acknowledge that having an impairment can slow down human ability to do certain activities but if the environment, structures are configured in a way that makes life easy, the issue of disabilities becomes minimal.

The above and many more are some of the conclusion reached at Osun State Nigeria Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Inclusion community Stakeholders Policy Dialogue organized by Centre for disability and Inclusion Africa as part of its efforts to create an avenue to discuss nad reaffirm the position of the 6 states that make up of Southwest geo political zone in Nigeria, which has about 49 Million (22% of Nigeria population).

Welcoming participants drawn from (non)state actors of PWDs community in the state which has: the impaired, the affected and the concerned as well as Policy makers, government officials and relevant agencies; the executive director, Yinka Olaito, emphasised a need to collaboratively work together as well as create an avenue which ensures rights and participation of PWDs are protected.  

Panellists: L-R (Stephen Olufemi, Elixabeth Ishola, Jare Tiamiyu, Hon. Adewunmi Adeyemi Irekandu

He further emphasised the purpose of the policy dialogue is for the community to develop common focus which can drive disability, inclusive government, sustainable society demands in the state.

According to Yinka Olaito “Wee live in an age when conversation is loud about not leaving anyone behind, we need to go beyond talk and put money, action where our talk is”.

The theme of the event is “Nigeria Inclusive Society: accessibility, exclusion and social relationships”. It is a panel session that has strategic actor in the PWDs community which include:  Stephen Olufemi, Osun state chair, Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities(JONAOWD), Mrs Elizabeth Ishola, Osun State Women leader, JONAPWD, Jare Tiamiyu, the CEO of Insight media and Honourable Adewunmi Adeyemi Irekandu who is a member of Osun State House of Assembly and sponsor of disability bill in the state.

Hon. Adewunmi Adeyemi believes whoever has a right to vote should have a right to be given his/her fundamental human rights as well as the right to enjoy the benefits of democracy in any nation. The full day event was full of essential discussions and recommendation form relevant actors including security agencies among which are Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Osun state PWDs desk lead- DSC Bakare Khadijah.

Key Recommendations

1     Osun State disability bill has almost gotten to the final reading through the efforts of JONAPWD, Disability civil societies in Osun State, the media and Osun State house of Assembly and to a large extent, it addresses the various barriers against PWDs in Osun state. The PWD community needs to start preparing for the implementation stage, so as to ensure smooth and quick implementation.

2.   Media had played an important role in the progress of the bill. There should be more synergy between the media and the PWDs in Osun’s state to advocate and promote PWD issues in the Osun State. Media needs data to effectively cover disability issues in Osun state and the PWD community should make disability data for Osun available to media organisation for impactful coverage of PWD issues in Oyo State

3.   There is a need for teamwork, equity and fairness within the various clusters of the PWD community.

4.   There is a need to regular mobilization, awareness, advocacy engagement and capacity building even with the PWD communities in Osun State

5.   The PWD community must reach the grassroots level and the Disability bill needs to be domesticated at the local government level as well. Policy Dialogue should also be replicated

6.   Women with disabilities in Osun State suffer double vulnerability and gender based violence which go unreported. There is a need for capacity training on sexual and reproductive rights.

7.   The PWD community is made up of the affected, impaired and the inclined, therefore interventions should cover all the parties.

8.   The PWD in Osun State decided to have a strong social media presence and a contact person who attends enquiries at JONAPWD Office.

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Inclusion in Nigeria

Promoting Inclusive Education for Children with Disabilities in Nigeria

To reach real peace in the world, we will have to begin with the children.” – Mahatma Gandhi.

This quote is just one of many quotes that denotes how imperative it is for children to have access to education in order to have a promising and fortified future.

However, in Nigeria today, education is embroiled in loads of challenges and many children are being denied access to a good education due to the narratives surrounding its effectiveness. This is especially so for children with disabilities. Educational system in Nigeria is one of the less funded sectors and this has shattered the hope of good and affordable education for children in Nigeria.

If Nigerian children, especially the ones with disabilities, must ascend a promising future in the educational sector, inclusiveness as well as access must be prioritized.

Inclusive education upholds the famous theme “education for all” because it promotes equality in giving good and quality education to children. It bridges the gap that causes disparities in giving good education to the abilities and disabilities and makes them equal. This ideology has to be promoted to make the disabled contribute their quota to the growth of humanity and have a sense of belonging. Inclusive education is creating a school environment that is accepting and supportive of all children regardless of their disabilities or abilities.

If Inclusive education will work, Nigeria government must:

Create awareness and sensitization about disability issues: Inclusive education can be promoted in diverse ways. This is the best way to effectively bridge the disparities between children with disabilities and those with none. To do this right, one of the ways is to create awareness and sensitization about disability issues. In a stereotypical society where people are quick to backlash or talk down on people with disabilities, inclusive education can’t be promoted or utilized effectively.

Value of inclusive education must form the core of sensitization and awareness. This must be the central message and must be hammered consistently. Reorientation of teachers and every stakeholder must be given priority. Effective channels of disseminating information must reach the teachers, parents, school administrators, and students.  The channels for disseminating information regarding the importance of inclusive education can be through seminars, training, flyers, radio, television newspapers, etc.

Special education curriculum: for the students, the government can introduce special education subjects into the curriculum for primary and secondary students so they are able to communicate with and appreciate children with special needs or with disabilities. A change of orientation that disabilities are not mostly contagious messages should be spread to ease the tension of ignorant parents. The belief system that promotes disabilities is contagious may work against inclusive education. Radio jingles, drama, television shows in different languages should be encouraged.

-The use of inclusive teaching methods: Teaching methods always differ based on the type of students but this can change by using inclusive teaching which accommodates all ranges of students. A focus on teaching strategies which are engaging, interactive and provide multiple ways for students to demonstrate their understanding will help a lot.

Another teaching method that can also help here is known as Differentiated Instruction (DI). Here, teachers will give different instructions to students in the class based on their strengths and meeting the individual needs of students. This will require teaching methods to be the same but assessment and evaluation can be varied based on the specific situation of the students. This is because the level of understanding may differ.  For children with no disabilities, a fusion of simple and complex assessment may apply but for braille users, simple assessment should be introduced at first. This will help in promoting inclusive education in Africa.

Recruitment of qualified and well-equipped teachers: We must acknowledge education is crucial. Teachers do have a great role to play here.

If Nigerians are determined to promote inclusive, good and quality education, the right kind of teachers have to be recruited. Inclusive education can become an integral part of education if the teacher can at least communicate with every student through a form each can comprehend. At least even if this is at the basic level. This may require a level of overhauling the present educational courses at the higher institution levels. Those in the class already can do well with some training.

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Africa

5 reasons media should make disability and inclusive reporting a priority

“We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter their colour” – Maya Angelou.

Media has the power to give voices to the voices. This it can do with making disability and inclusion reporting a priority.There’s no true journalism without embracing the transformative power of inclusivity. We live in a world of rich tapestries of people. Inclusive reporting is one mirror that I believe reflects our diverse reality. Marginalized groups, just like every other subset of the world’s population, are humans and have undeniable rights to every provision in the constitution.

The media is a lens through which society views itself and the world. Journalists are in a unique position to influence issues and events and shape public opinion to create perceptions about marginalized populations.

Why Disability and Inclusive Reporting?

1-Visibility and Awareness: Inclusive and disability reporting provides a platform for marginalized voices to be heard. By reporting on issues that concern People with Disabilities (PWDs), they are put in the spotlight. Their achievements are being celebrated, their challenges are being identified, their perceptions and perspectives about issues, events, and policies are being communicated, and their experiences are being shared.

2-Empowerment and Representation: Inclusive reporting addresses language usage, structure of reports, and the ultimate projection of the underrepresented to the broader public. This gives a sense of belonging and boosts positive self-identity which eventually leads to active participation in public affairs. This also gives them the opportunity to tell their stories and shape the narratives. 

3-Breaking stereotypes: Inclusive reporting is an effective way of addressing stigma. The media has the transformative power to reshape society’s perception of marginalized people and challenge misconceptions. By projecting positive narratives and a more nuanced understanding of PWD’s, allowing consultation and collaboration, highlighting their achievements and abilities, and challenging derogatory language use, storytellers get to practice true journalism.

4-Public reforms and Advocacy: Inclusive reporting provides active support for marginalised people. It helps raise awareness, influence policies, and create a more just and equitable society. It also helps to critically look at voids in legislation and/or implementation, which ultimately helps to safeguard human rights and drive transformative changes at all levels of society.

5-Disability and inclusive reporting make information accessible to the general public. They allow people to get hold of accurate and factual stories and for underrepresented voices to be heard, which gives an opportunity for a more inclusive and informed state.

The need for disability and inclusive reporting cannot be overemphasised as they have the power to break boundaries, build bridges, and foster understanding. Through this practice, various voices are heard, diverse groups are better represented, people are exposed to new perspectives and ideas, and much stronger and more cohesive communities are built not out of sympathy but empathy.

You’ll agree with me that inclusivity is not only about creating a seat at the table; it is also about ensuring that every voice is heard, valued, and woven into the fabric of society.

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Media and disability issues in Nigeria? Stop ticking the box only

In the ever-changing world of media, the undeniable ability to mould perceptions and attitudes is evident. Nigeria, country rich in cultural diversity, grapples with an important issue that necessitates a shift in thinking: the portrayal of physically challenged individuals in the media.

For a significant period, the media in Nigeria has depicted physically challenged individuals in a narrow and biased manner. The current narrative has spread stereotypes, presenting these individuals as objects of pity or inspiration, rather than recognizing their full range of abilities and potential. These portrayals have reinforced negative perceptions and biases, making it difficult for people with disabilities to be seen as capable, independent individuals.

At times, the media has underrepresented physically challenged individuals, effectively rendering them invisible in society. This lack of representation has contributed to a lack of awareness and understanding about the challenges faced by these individuals.

What then must be done? Journalists, filmmakers, and content creators must challenge preconceived notions and move beyond superficial portrayals. The stories of physically challenged individuals are complex, comprising achievements, struggles, aspirations, and ordinary moments that reflect the experiences of everyone else. By authentically presenting these stories, the media can break down stereotypes and foster understanding.

Nigerian media, including television, film, print, and digital platforms, holds significant influence. This influence can be harnessed to bring about a change in societal attitudes towards the physically challenged community.

How can Nigeria media bring a change in the disability and inclusion race

1-Media representation must mould public perception. Media must empower the physically challenged community itself. Seeing people who look like them, face similar challenges, and achieve success can instil pride and a sense of possibility. Media becomes a means of inspiring others and cultivating a sense of community among those who have felt marginalized.

2- Stop doing the basic: Media outlets must not only be featuring individuals with disabilities merely to check a diversity box. Authentic representation requires collaboration with the physically challenged community, involving them in decision-making processes, and ensuring that their narratives are told with accuracy and dignity.

3-Share memorable experience: Also, with Social media has emerged as a democratizing force in the fight for accurate representation. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube have allowed physically challenged individuals to share their own stories, bypassing traditional media gatekeepers. Hashtags and viral challenges have sparked conversations, connecting individuals with shared experiences and promoting a more accurate understanding of their lives. However, more effort is needed to make these platforms inclusive enough for a wider section of the physically challenged community to gain access.

Reshape societal perception:  the media landscape in Nigeria is undergoing a transformation in its depiction of physically challenged individuals. By harnessing the power of media, Nigeria can reshape societal perceptions, empower the physically challenged community, and foster a more inclusive and compassionate society.

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