By Nana Musa
The Disability rights advocates have urged journalists to adopt rights-based reporting that promotes the dignity, inclusion and rights of persons with disabilities instead of pity.
The call was made during a disability inclusion media engagement organised by the Sustainable Family Healthcare Foundation (SFHF), with support from Christian Blind Mission (CBM), in Abuja, on Tuesday.
The disability inclusion expert, Mr Musa Musa urged journalists to expose barriers facing persons with disabilities and advocate practical solutions through responsible reporting.
He said that disability stories should challenge stereotypes, amplify diverse voices and inspire meaningful social change.
“Report disability from dignity, not sympathy. Focus on issues requiring attention and action, not stories designed to attract pity,” Musa said.
He urged journalists to portray persons with disabilities as professionals, leaders and contributors across different sectors.
Musa said that true inclusion means providing support tailored to individual needs, not simply treating everyone the same.
He said that disability experiences differ, with each group facing unique challenges requiring recognition.
Musa cautioned against using only persons with physical disabilities to represent the disability community.
He urged greater visibility for people with visual, hearing, intellectual and other disabilities in media coverage.
The expert also encouraged media organisations to engage professionals with disabilities based on their expertise, not only disability-related topics.
“I am an accountant. I should discuss economic issues too, not only disability,” Musa said.
He added that responsible reporting should influence reforms improving access to employment, healthcare, education, infrastructure and social protection.
According to him, persons with disabilities seek equal access to opportunities and full participation in national life.
The Chairman of the National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities (NAPWPD), FCT chapter, Chris Agbo, said that the media plays an important role in shaping societal attitudes.
Obiora whom is also a disability rights advocate, called for meaningful inclusion of persons with disabilities in policymaking, programmes and media discussions.
He highlighted barriers to political participation, blaming stereotypes and discrimination for their low representation.
Obiora said that political parties often consider qualified persons with disabilities unelectable because of public perception.
He called for sustained awareness campaigns to change attitudes and encourage greater political participation.
Obiora also urged stronger disability laws, particularly for persons with sensory disabilities, and called for respectful, stigma-free reporting.
Earlier, the Executive Director (E-D) of SFHF, Peters Ogunmayin, urged media organisations to promote inclusive, accurate, and balanced reporting on Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in the country.
She was represented by the SFHF project coordinator, Mary Sunday, said that the engagement was aimed to deepen awareness of the Nigeria’s disability law and strengthen media advocacy.
Ogunmayin expressed confidence that better-informed journalists would boost public awareness and accelerate implementation of disability rights policies.
She said that the engagement was part of the project by the foundation aimed at creating nationwide awareness about disability rights.
“We are focusing on disability awareness to educate all Nigerians.
“Today, we are engaging the media and persons with disabilities to strengthen their capacity to share information and return to their communities better informed,” she said.
Ogunmayin said that the programme seeks to inform the public about the Disability Act and its provisions, which have been approved by the Federal Government and enacted into law.
“For the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), implementation is ongoing, while some states have already begun working on theirs.
“That is why we are creating awareness and building capacity to help stakeholders understand the content of the policy and their roles,” Ogunmayin said.
The Sustainable Family Healthcare Foundation is a Nigerian humanitarian organisation advancing sexual and reproductive health while promoting a fistula-free generation.
