Osun 2026: Media Executives Urged to Prioritise Inclusive Election Reporting for Persons with Disabilities

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

Media executives in Osun State have been urged to prioritise inclusive election reporting by amplifying the voices of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and increasing coverage of their political rights and participation ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The call was made on Wednesday during a media inclusivity reflection meeting organised in Osogbo by the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), the International Press Centre (IPC), TAF Africa and the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF).

The meeting brought together media owners, editors, regulators and representatives of disability groups to deliberate on strategies for promoting balanced, fair and inclusive election coverage.

Speaking on the theme, “Understanding PWD Inclusive Reporting as a Platform for Promoting the Image and Issues Enhancing the Voices of Persons with Disabilities,” the Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), Mr. Lanre Arogundade, stressed that the media has a crucial responsibility to ensure that no segment of society is excluded from the democratic process.

He explained that the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme is designed to strengthen democracy by promoting wider civic engagement, equitable access to information and greater participation of all citizens in governance.

According to Arogundade, an inclusive society is one that embraces diversity and guarantees equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender, age, social status, location or disability.

He therefore urged journalists and media organisations to deliberately create platforms that enable Persons with Disabilities to express their views, engage political actors and participate meaningfully in electoral processes.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), Dr. Akin Akingbulu, said Persons with Disabilities are entitled to the same constitutional rights as every other Nigerian and should not be denied access to information or participation in public affairs.

He called on media organisations to adopt disability-friendly practices, including the provision of sign language interpreters, accessible communication materials and facilities that cater to the needs of Persons with Disabilities.

Akingbulu further urged newsroom managers and media executives to institutionalise inclusive editorial policies capable of removing barriers that hinder PWDs from accessing information.

The Project Manager of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), Malliya Manu, said the meeting was organised to encourage media organisations to improve the quality, balance and diversity of political reporting by giving greater prominence to women and Persons with Disabilities, who are often underrepresented in election coverage.

She noted that inclusive journalism would strengthen democratic participation and ensure that the concerns of marginalised groups receive the attention they deserve.

In their separate remarks, CEMESO Project Manager, Timothy Bamidele, and the Programme Manager of the International Press Centre, Mr. Sanmi Falobi, urged journalists and media organisations to sustain coverage of issues affecting women, youths, Persons with Disabilities and other vulnerable groups before, during and after the governorship election.

They maintained that inclusive reporting remains essential to promoting credible elections, strengthening democratic governance and ensuring that no voice is left unheard in Nigeria’s electoral process.