The Federal Government has pledged to work closely with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council to end discrimination and mistreatment of journalists living with disabilities in the workplace.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba, gave the assurance in Abuja while receiving the NUJ FCT Council Committee on Disability, led by Comrade Jide Oyekunle and Comrade Kehinde Akintola.
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Abba, who conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the union, reiterated the administration’s commitment to creating safe, accessible, and disability-friendly environments across the country. He stressed that his office would partner with the media to ensure inclusion and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
“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,” Abba said.
He described the media as a vital partner in amplifying the voices of PWDs, adding that through visibility, their talents and contributions to national development can be highlighted. He also commended NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, for her foresight in establishing the Committee on Disability, describing it as a historic first in the Nigerian media industry.
In her remarks, NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike—represented by the Council Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle—expressed the union’s readiness to collaborate with Abba’s office to raise awareness, correct stereotypes, and highlight the rights and potential of 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,” she said.
The NUJ FCT Council pledged to use its print, broadcast, and digital platforms to champion advocacy on disability rights, sensitize the public, and promote inclusive reporting through capacity-building programs for journalists.
Also speaking, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Committee on Disability, Comrade Kehinde Akintola, called for the full enforcement of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018. He urged Abba to set up a Presidential Committee to ensure compliance, noting that implementation has remained weak six years after the law was signed.
The visit ended with the presentation of a Charter of Requests to Hon. Abba for consideration and action.