…says increased Disability Rights Awareness through media engagement could accelerate the implementation of policies.
Enugu, Nigeria — The iNews Times | Disability Rights Awareness has taken centre stage in the South-East as the National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities (NAPWPD) called on media organisations to play a more active role in promoting awareness, inclusion, and accountability.
The call for increased Disability Rights Awareness was made by the President of NAPWPD, Comrade Rilwan Mohammed, during a press briefing in Enugu, organised with support from the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD). He emphasized that the media possesses the power to bring visibility to issues that might otherwise remain ignored.
Represented by the Team Lead of the NAPWPD South-East Advocacy Group, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, Mohammed noted that accessibility is not a luxury but a basic requirement for inclusion and equal participation in society.
He lamented the various challenges facing persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the region, particularly in three critical areas: accessibility to public structures, transportation systems, and the enforcement of existing disability rights laws.
Describing the media as a critical partner in the journey toward inclusion, Okeke stressed that increased Disability Rights Awareness through media engagement could accelerate the implementation of policies designed to protect the rights of millions of Nigerians living with disabilities.
He outlined key measures media organisations could adopt to support persons with disabilities, including highlighting their stories, exposing accessibility gaps, and educating the public about disability rights laws.
“Journalists can conduct periodic audits to help assess whether public institutions, schools, hospitals, transport systems, and government buildings comply with accessibility requirements under the disability law,” he said.
He further urged media houses to intensify public enlightenment campaigns across radio, television, newspapers, and digital platforms to deepen Disability Rights Awareness and inform citizens about the benefits of accessibility for all.
Okeke also emphasized the importance of inclusive programming, encouraging media organisations to incorporate sign language interpretation, accessible communication formats, and ensure the participation of persons with disabilities in discussions and programmes.
He called for increased coverage of disability-related issues, urging media outlets to dedicate more airtime and publication space to accessibility challenges, disability inclusion, and the rights of persons with disabilities.
“Rather than speaking for persons with disabilities, the media should create opportunities for them to tell their own stories, share their experiences, and contribute to policy conversations,” he added.
Highlighting the broader societal benefits of accessibility, Okeke noted that it is not limited to persons with disabilities alone but also benefits older persons, pregnant women, injured individuals, and parents with strollers.
“Accessibility is not only about persons with disabilities; it benefits everyone. A society that builds for accessibility builds for all,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the South-East, known for its resilience, innovation, and strong community values, could become a model for disability inclusion in Nigeria with sustained awareness and collaboration.
“The South-East region is known for its resilience, innovation, and strong sense of community. With greater awareness, stronger partnerships, consistency, and intentional media engagement, the region can become a model for disability inclusion in Nigeria,” he stressed.
Reiterating the association’s commitment to working with government institutions, private sector actors, civil society organisations, and media partners, Okeke said efforts would continue to ensure accessibility becomes a practical reality rather than just a legal provision.
He urged stakeholders to always remember that disability rights are human rights, warning that inaccessible public spaces amount to exclusion of citizens.
“When public spaces remain inaccessible, citizens are excluded. But when accessibility becomes a priority, society becomes more humane, inclusive, and just,” he said.
He concluded by appreciating the media for its continued partnership and expressed readiness to strengthen collaboration toward building a more inclusive South-East where no one is left behind.
