CAI4SR sensitises journalists on accurate reportage of PWDs

The Community Advancement Initiative for Self Reliance (CAI4SR), a non-governmental organisation, has called on journalists to uphold ethical standards in reporting disability issues and promote inclusion.

Speaking at a one-day training for media practitioners in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, on Thursday, CAI4SR Executive Director Enny Ayeni said the sensitisation was necessary to ensure accurate reportage and understanding of the legal frameworks protecting the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Ayeni noted that the initiative, funded by Christoffel Blinden Mission (CBM) International, seeks to highlight the critical role of the media in shaping public perception and influencing policies on disability inclusion.

“Creating awareness and running sensitisation programmes is key. Imagine journalists discussing the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Law on their stations once a week, many people would become aware and begin demanding the promotion and implementation of their rights,” she said.

Ayeni emphasised that journalists have a fundamental role in ending stereotypes and negative labels against PWDs through responsible reporting.

“The workshop will not only sharpen reporting skills but also empower journalists to amplify disability issues, challenge stereotypes, and contribute to building a more inclusive society,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Coordinator of the Justice Development and Peace Maker Centre (JDPMC), Osogbo, Barrister Veronica Onoja, identified lack of awareness and inadequate funding as major obstacles to the effective implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Law in Osun State.

“Many citizens are not even aware of the existence of this law. How can people demand the implementation of a law they don’t know exists? That’s the basic barrier,” Onoja said.