Media practitioners urged to intensify advocacy on disability law implementation in Osun

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

Stakeholders in Osun State have called on journalists and media professionals to intensify advocacy for the full implementation of disability rights laws and deepen public awareness on inclusion, amid concerns over persistent gaps in enforcement and accessibility.

The call was made during a media engagement, advocacy and training programme organised by the Community Advancement Initiative for Self-Reliance (CAI4SR), with support from Christoffel Blinden Mission (CBM), aimed at strengthening awareness of inclusive reporting and disability rights enforcement.

Speaking at the training, Oluwafemi Balogun, Esq., principal officer of the Osun State Human Rights Commission, said implementation gaps persist in the disability rights framework, particularly in areas of accessibility that are not yet widely known to the public.

According to him, some aspects of the law require public institutions to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities, including the provision of accessible facilities and designated parking spaces. He noted that many members of the public are still unaware of these requirements, making media advocacy crucial in bridging the information gap.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of CAI4SR, Mrs Eni Ayeni, said the training was designed to equip journalists and media practitioners with the knowledge required to promote inclusive and accurate reporting on disability issues in Osun State.

Ayeni, however, lamented that accessibility remains a major challenge, noting that many public and private facilities, including hotels, still lack ramps and other basic access structures for persons with disabilities.

The Head Teacher of the School for Special Needs in Iwo, Osun State, Salau Abiodun, said ongoing advocacy and awareness campaigns are gradually changing public perception and encouraging more parents to enrol their children with disabilities in school.

Abiodun emphasised that persons with disabilities are created with purpose and deserve equal opportunities, urging parents, teachers and society to work collectively to ensure their development is not hindered.