FG, NUJ FCT PLEDGE TO END DISCRIMINATION AGAINST JOURNALISTS WITH DISABILITY

The Federal Government and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council have pledged to end discrimination against journalists with disability. Hon. Mohammed Abba, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, assured journalists with disabilities will not suffer workplace discrimination.

“We place a very high premium on our relationship with the NUJ, because through your platform, not only can we give visibility to the challenges faced by PWDs, but we can also showcase their talents, innovations, and contributions to national development,” Abba stated in Abuja.

Abba conveyed President Tinubu’s goodwill to NUJ, emphasizing collaboration to ensure safe, accessible environments for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). “My office will work hand in hand with NUJ FCT Council to ensure no journalist suffers discrimination or mistreatment on account of disability,” he added.

NUJ FCT Council Chairman Grace Ike praised Abba’s appointment, pledging collaboration on disability rights advocacy. “This visit reaffirms our willingness to work with your Office in driving awareness, correcting stereotypes on Persons with disabilities,” Ike’s representative Jide Oyekunle said.

Committee Chairman Kehinde Akintola urged enforcement of the 2018 Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, calling for a Presidential Committee for compliance. “Full implementation remains a challenge, particularly within media,” Akintola noted.

The NUJ delegation presented a Charter of requests to Abba for consideration, seeking media campaigns, capacity building on disability reporting, and structural collaboration. Abba expressed readiness to partner with NUJ for inclusive development, amplifying PWD voices.