In a bold move to promote inclusive storytelling and media accessibility, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council will host a landmark symposium on Disability-Inclusive Journalism on Monday, October 6, 2025, at the NUJ Secretariat in Utako, Abuja, starting at 10:00 a.m.
Themed “Breaking Barriers, Amplifying Voices: Inclusive Journalism,” the event is organized by the Council’s Committee on Disability and aims to spotlight the critical role of the media in dismantling stereotypes and amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities (PWDs) within Nigeria’s democratic and development frameworks.
Media Advocacy Meets Disability Rights
The symposium will feature a series of technical sessions on topics including disability rights in Nigeria, Media advocacy for inclusion and Social protection policies
These sessions will be led by experts from prominent advocacy and development organizations, including CARE International, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), and Heirs Life Assurance.
Reserved Parking Signage Initiative Launch
A major highlight of the event will be the official launch of the Reserved Park Signage Initiative for the National Assembly and media organizations, in line with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018. The initiative aims to promote compliance with accessibility standards and foster a more disability-friendly environment in public and private institutions.
Journalists with Disabilities Share Their Stories
The symposium will also feature an interactive session with journalists living with disabilities, who will share their personal experiences navigating the media industry. This segment reflects the NUJ FCT Council’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive media landscape, where every voice is heard and respected.
In a statement, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, Secretary of the NUJ FCT Council, reaffirmed the union’s dedication to inclusion:
“This symposium is more than a conversation — it’s a call to action for newsrooms to become champions of disability rights and inclusion. Journalism must reflect the diverse realities of our society.”
The union further called on journalists, media managers, disability advocates, civil society groups, and policymakers interested in building a more inclusive and equitable media environment in Nigeria to partake in the symposium.
