The Centre for Disability and Inclusion Africa has signed a partnership with the Global Alliance for Disability in Media and Entertainment to improve how people with disabilities are represented across African and global media.

The agreement, announced in Lagos on Tuesday, seeks to move away from portrayals based on pity and stereotypes, towards storytelling rooted in dignity, rights and real-life experiences.

Both organisations say the collaboration will focus on producing inclusive media content and training journalists and creators to tell more accurate and empowering stories.

Why it matters

Disability advocates say media representation plays a major role in shaping public attitudes, policy decisions and social inclusion.

Despite growing conversations around diversity and inclusion globally, disability remains underreported and often misrepresented in mainstream media.

This partnership aims to address that gap by ensuring that stories about people with disabilities are told with them not just about them.

“Reclaiming the narrative”

Speaking at the signing, CDIA’s Executive Director, Yinka Olaito, said the initiative is about giving people with disabilities control over their own stories.

“For too long, disability has been misrepresented in media spaces. This partnership is about reclaiming the narrative—ensuring that stories about persons with disabilities are not told for them, but with them, and most importantly, by them.”

“Storytelling is power, and we are harnessing it to drive inclusion, equity, and social change.”

GADIM also stressed the influence of media on public perception and policymaking.

“The partnership will challenge bias, and inspire systemic change across the media and entertainment industries globally.”

What the partnership will do

Under the agreement, both organisations will:

Co-produce and distribute inclusive multimedia content

Share knowledge with journalists and media professionals

Develop guidelines for inclusive storytelling

Amplify voices of people with disabilities across platforms

CDIA added that it will expand training and mentorship for journalists, filmmakers and content creators, alongside research and advocacy efforts.

Industry and public impact

Media analysts say the collaboration could influence how disability is covered in newsrooms, films and digital platforms across Africa.

By promoting accurate and respectful representation, the initiative may also help reduce stigma and improve access to opportunities for people with disabilities.

Advocates argue that inclusive storytelling can lead to broader social change, including better policies and increased visibility in public life.

What’s next

Both organisations plan to begin joint content production and training programmes in the coming months.

They say the long-term goal is to build a media ecosystem that recognises disability as a normal part of human diversity.

About the organisations

The Centre for Disability and Inclusion Africa focuses on disability rights, inclusive development and accessible digital ecosystems across Africa.

The Global Alliance for Disability in Media and Entertainment works globally to improve disability representation in film, television, journalism and digital media.

The unveiling of The Compatriot newspaper brought together journalists, legal practitioners, security officials and industry stakeholders who stressed the importance of responsible journalism and leadership.

Speakers said the new publication aims to promote truthful storytelling, celebrate outstanding achievements and encourage national development.

Managing Editor outlines mission of the newspaper

Delivering the welcome address, Managing Editor, The Compatriot Newspaper, Joshua Uloko said the event marked both a celebration of excellence and the birth of a new journalism platform.

He described the occasion as a moment dedicated to recognising individuals whose work has positively impacted society.

 “Distinguished guests, eminent personalities, members of the press, award recipients and ladies and gentlemen, good day. It is with immense joy and a deep sense of honour that I welcome you all to this remarkable occasion – the Compatriot Excellence Award and Man of the Year Ceremony, alongside the official unveiling of our newspaper.”

Uloko said the award was created to recognise individuals who demonstrate integrity, innovation and service to humanity.

According to him, celebrating such achievements helps inspire others to pursue leadership and excellence.

 “We gather to recognise individuals whose lives and work have left a lasting impact in their fields and communities. The Compatriot Excellence Award was created to honour men and women who exemplify integrity, innovation, service and dedication to humanity.”

He noted that acknowledging achievements can encourage others to pursue impactful leadership.

Uloko also explained the motivation behind launching the newspaper.

 “Today’s event also marks a historic milestone – the unveiling of our newspaper. This publication was established with a clear mission: to amplify positive stories, promote responsible journalism and provide a credible platform for information that inspires development and unity.”

He added that the publication aims to highlight excellence and encourage accountability in society.

 “In a world where news often emphasises negativity, this platform will highlight excellence, celebrate achievers, promote accountability and give voice to stories that drive progress in our communities and across the nation.”

Uloko urged the audience to support the new platform and its vision.

“Our goal is simple yet powerful: to foster truth, professionalism and the celebration of excellence. Through this newspaper, we aim to encourage responsible leadership, inspire younger generations and promote dialogue that contributes meaningfully to the development of society.”

He concluded by inviting stakeholders to embrace the publication as a platform for positive change.

“Ladies and gentlemen, today represents two intertwined ideals – the celebration of excellence and the launch of a platform for impactful storytelling. I invite you to support this vision, champion the awardees and embrace the newspaper as a beacon of truth, recognition and positive change.”

Police call for responsibility and partnership

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Lagos, CP Saadat, commended award recipients for their contributions to professional excellence.

She said recognition often comes with higher expectations.

 “To whom much is given, much is expected,” she said.

The police chief encouraged recipients to maintain their standards and continue contributing to national development.

She added that the Nigeria Police Force would continue working with stakeholders to build a better Nigeria.

Legal practitioner says recognition inspires dedication

One of the honourees, Barrister Animashaun Ajani Moruf, described the award as an honour and encouragement to continue serving the justice system diligently.

 “It is a privilege from God to be selected among peers and contemporaries,” he said.

The legal officer attached to the Force Criminal Investigation Department said the recognition reflects dedication to duty and professional commitment.

Moruf explained that his core responsibility as a prosecuting counsel is ensuring effective prosecution of suspects in criminal cases.

According to him, diligent prosecution helps secure convictions and contributes to a crime-free society.

He added that previous recognitions, including an award received in November and an upcoming Rainbow of Fame Award, continue to motivate him to perform better.

Media must remain fearless – Actors Guild spokesperson

Speaking with journalists at the event, Cornell Udofia, Public Relations Officer of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, stressed the importance of truthful reporting.

He said the media plays a crucial role in holding leaders accountable.

 “The media must always stand for truth and seek truth from those in power,” he said.

Udofia added that balanced journalism requires acknowledging good performance while criticising failures.

He also advised journalists to remain courageous and committed to ethical reporting.

Why the launch matters

Nigeria’s media landscape continues to evolve with the emergence of new platforms seeking to shape public discourse.

Industry observers say responsible journalism remains vital in strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring transparency.

Newspapers and digital media platforms also play a role in documenting achievements and encouraging civic participation.

What’s next for The Compatriot

Organisers say the publication will focus on governance, leadership, human-interest stories and national development issues.

The newspaper also plans to continue hosting annual Excellence Awards to recognise individuals making positive contributions in different sectors.

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos chapter, has congratulated Hajia Hadizah Ifeyinwa Omowole on her appointment as Head of Operations at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Lagos office.

In a statement signed by Chairperson Jumoke Falayi Johnson and Secretary Anu Thomas, the association described the appointment as recognition of Omowole’s longstanding contributions to journalism and nation-building.

“This appointment is a confirmation of your contributions to nation building, promotion of journalism and pursuit of fairness and gender equality,” the statement read.

Why It Matters

NAN is Nigeria’s official news agency and one of the country’s largest content providers to media organisations nationwide.

Leadership changes at the Lagos office — one of its busiest bureaus — can shape news production, editorial priorities and media narratives across the country.

NAWOJ Lagos said Omowole’s track record in supporting women journalists makes her appointment particularly significant at a time when conversations about newsroom inclusion and leadership diversity are gaining momentum.

“Your dedication to pulling women journalists into rooms where decisions are being taken has not gone unnoticed, and we are grateful for it,” the association added.

Industry Reactions

Within the journalism community in Lagos, colleagues described the appointment as well deserved.

NAWOJ Lagos expressed confidence in her leadership, stating:

“We say, congratulations on this appointment and the greater achievements that are to follow in your leadership of NAN Lagos Operations. We believe your time at the helms of affairs would spell further progress and impact for NAN Lagos.”

The association concluded: “On behalf of NAWOJ Lagos, we celebrate you!”

What’s Next for NAN Lagos?

As Head of Operations, Omowole is expected to oversee newsroom coordination, content distribution and editorial workflow at the Lagos bureau.

Her appointment also highlights broader conversations about gender equity in Nigeria’s media sector.