By Julian Osamoto
Disability rights advocates have challenged Nigerian journalists to use the power of the media to break barriers facing persons with disabilities, arguing that accurate reporting can shape public policy, influence political participation and expand equal opportunities.
The advocates made the call during a media engagement on disability inclusion and responsible reporting organised by the Sustainable Family Healthcare Foundation (SFHF) with support from Christian Blind Mission (CBM) in Abuja.
According to them, journalists should move beyond human-interest stories that focus on pity and instead investigate the systemic barriers preventing persons with disabilities from accessing education, healthcare, employment, politics and other opportunities.
A disability inclusion expert Musa Muazu said the media should hold institutions accountable for implementing Nigeria’s disability law while giving greater visibility to the achievements and contributions of persons with disabilities.
“The point of reporting disability issues should come from dignity, not sympathy. Journalists should report because there is an issue that requires attention and action, not because they want to attract pity.”
Muazu maintained that news organisations can help dismantle long-standing stereotypes by presenting persons with disabilities as professionals, entrepreneurs, public servants and leaders rather than defining them by their disabilities.
He urged journalists to reflect the diversity within the disability community by giving balanced coverage to people with physical, visual, hearing, intellectual and other disabilities.
“Each disability comes with different challenges. We must amplify these diverse voices rather than presenting only one category of disability.”
He also urged editors to invite professionals with disabilities to contribute to discussions on national issues beyond disability.
“I am an accountant by profession. I should also be invited to discuss economic issues, not only disability.”
According to him, genuine inclusion requires removing barriers that prevent equal participation rather than treating everyone exactly the same.
Another disability rights advocate and media practitioner Christian Agbo, mentioned that negative public perceptions continue to limit the participation of persons with disabilities in politics and governance.
He said many political parties still overlook qualified aspirants with disabilities because they assume voters will reject them.
Agbo called for stronger implementation of Nigeria’s disability law and urged journalists to avoid language that reinforces stigma or discrimination.
According to him, sustained public education through the media would help change attitudes and encourage greater inclusion in leadership as well as decision-making.
Earlier, Project Coordinator of the Sustainable Family Healthcare Foundation, Mary Sunday, said the organisation organised the engagement to strengthen journalists’ understanding of disability rights and improve media advocacy for the implementation of existing laws.
She noted that informed and responsible reporting can accelerate policy reforms, increase public awareness and promote a society where persons with disabilities enjoy equal rights and opportunities.
The advocates maintained that journalists do more than report events. “They shape public opinion, influence government action and determine whose voices are heard”.
They therefore urged media organisations to make disability inclusion a governance issue rather than an occasional human-interest story.
