Laraba MUREY
As Persons with Disabilities, PWDs, continue to face derogatory treatments, Journalists for Disability Inclusion, J4DI, has inducted 27 journalists to join in the advocacy on changing the narrative.
The rights advocacy group said the purpose was to set an agenda that will intervene in policy formulation and implementation regarding the PWDs in the country.
The national coordinator, who is also the chairman, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Emmanuel Ogbeche, made this known during the induction ceremony on Thursday in Abuja
Ogbeche emphasized the importance of drawing attention of stakeholders to implement the provision of the Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act 2018 across the country.
He also charged the newly inaugurated members to “be agents of change, be dedicated and committed to bring ideas to the platform that this association can become a force to reckon with”.
In his remark, president and founder of The Albino Foundation, TAF, Jake Epelle, said, “Great things start small. I am afraid of those things that grow big without a base because they will eventually become small. This small beginning is an opportunity to expand and become better. It is a chance to make the kind of impact we desire to see. We need to be properly educated while maintaining a high level of professionalism in use of correct disability terminologies for maximum impact.
“That way, we can navigate and chart new courses for the Disability Community.”
Also speaking, one of the newly inducted members, from Kogi Confluence Radio, Janet Samuel, expressed delight in being part of the association as she said reporting on PWDs is a passion for her and that she wa glad she now has a group to share ideas with.
Other executives are Assistant National Coordinator, Rudy Leo, Secretary, Osadamwen Patrick, Gloria Essien and Kemi Yesufu.
The 27 journalists now members of J4DI were drawn from the print, electronic and online media
