By Queen Kunde
The Federal Government has pledged to end all forms of workplace discrimination against journalists with disabilities, as part of a broader national commitment to creating inclusive, safe, and disability-friendly environments across the country.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba, made this known in Abuja during a meeting with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council Committee on Disability, led by Comrade Jide Oyekunle and Comrade Kehinde Akintola.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Hon. Abba assured the delegation that his office will work closely with the media to amplify the voices of over 35.1 million Nigerians with disabilities. He stressed that no journalist should ever face discrimination or mistreatment because of a disability.
“Beyond amplifying voices, my office has the responsibility of ensuring safe, accessible, and disability-friendly workplaces. We will work hand in hand with NUJ FCT under Comrade Grace Ike to guarantee that no journalist suffers discrimination on account of disability,” Abba stated.
He commended NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, for her foresight in setting up the NUJ Disability Committee, describing it as “a first of its kind in the Nigerian media industry” and a bold commitment to inclusion.
In her response, Comrade Ike, represented by the Council Secretary, Jide Oyekunle, reaffirmed NUJ FCT’s resolve to partner with government and stakeholders in challenging stereotypes, driving advocacy, and building capacity for journalists on disability-sensitive reporting.
The Disability Committee Chairman, Comrade Kehinde Akintola, urged the enforcement of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 noting that six years after its passage, implementation remains weak in the media industry.
The meeting ended with the NUJ FCT presenting a Charter of Requests to Hon. Abba, outlining priority areas for collaboration and action.
