Media Practitioners Urged to Promote Inclusion Through Disability-Sensitive Reporting

Media practitioners have been called upon to champion the rights of persons with disabilities through ethical and inclusive reporting.
The call was made during a training for journalists and media professionals held at Candellux Imperial Hotel, Garki, Abuja, where participants were equipped with knowledge on disability rights, inclusion and responsible journalism.
The training focused on improving the media’s capacity to report disability issues accurately and in line with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
In her opening remarks, the Executive Director of the foundation, Mrs. Peters Ogunmoujer, said the media has a major role to play in shaping attitudes and breaking down stereotypes about persons with disabilities.
She urged journalists to tell stories that uphold the dignity of persons with disabilities and draw attention to the legal protections guaranteed under the law.
Mrs. Ogunmoujer stressed that responsible reporting can help reduce discrimination and encourage greater inclusion in society.
Delivering a presentation on disability rights, Musa Muazu reminded participants that discrimination against persons with disabilities is punishable under Nigerian law.
He said individuals convicted of discrimination face penalties of up to ₦100,000 or six months imprisonment, while organisations could be fined as much as ₦1 million.
Muazu further explained that the law requires public infrastructure to be accessible to persons with disabilities, including the provision of ramps, lifts and suitable pathways in public buildings and transport systems.
He also noted that victims of discrimination can still pursue legal action against offenders after criminal prosecution has taken place.
In another session, Christopher Okafor cautioned journalists against reporting disability issues in ways that encourage pity or reinforce negative stereotypes.
He said stories that portray persons with disabilities as extraordinary simply for getting married, going to school or succeeding in life contribute to exclusion rather than inclusion.
Okafor advocated a shift toward rights-based reporting that highlights barriers to access, inequality and the need for better policies and services.
The workshop also highlighted the importance of using respectful language, avoiding offensive captions and paying closer attention to challenges facing persons with disabilities in transportation, education and public services.
Participants were encouraged to use their reporting to raise awareness, influence public policy and contribute to building a more inclusive society.