The representation of persons with disabilities in Nigerian media remains largely limited to stories of sympathy, charity, or tragedy. While these narratives may draw attention, they often reinforce exclusion and marginalisation. Recent years have seen notable progress, with journalists and media organisations producing more empowering stories that inspire systemic change. However, these efforts remain fragmented and insufficient to establish disability inclusion as a consistent and integral feature of mainstream Nigerian journalism. Globally, the media is recognised as a core driver of social inclusion through its capacity to challenge stereotypes and influence public perception.
As a solutions-driven newsroom, TheCable aims to advance a rights-based, inclusive, and dignified approach to disability reporting. The objective is to shift the national discourse from visibility to participation and from charity to equity. This panel aligns with the central theme of AbilityX 2025, advancing opportunities, leadership, and socio-economic participation for persons with disabilities, and seeks to position media as a structural enabler of inclusion.
Speaker
Gbenga Ogundare is a British Chevening scholar, award-winning journalist, disability rights advocate, and publisher of Equality Reporters, Nigeria’s only disability and policy accountability digital news platform. He has over 20 years ... Read more
Speaker
Kolapo Olapoju is a writer, journalist, and media trainer/innovator. As editor of TheCable, he has pioneered landmark projects for the platform regarded as Nigeria’s foremost knowledge-driven digital newspaper. Olapoju oversaw the ... Read more
Moderator
Monsuroh Abdulsemiu is a journalist with TheCable and Program Officer at the Cable Newspaper Journalism Foundation (CNJF), where she coordinates projects, partnerships, and innovation efforts that advance public-interest journalism in ... Read more
