- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
As the 2026 governorship election continues gathering more momentum in Ekiti state, stakeholders in the media industry and disability inclusion space have called for a deliberate efforts to promote inclusive media practices in the state, with emphasis on ensuring that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are adequately represented in election-related coverage and information dissemination.
The call was made during a reflection meeting with media executives, regulators and PWD leadership on media inclusivity in Ado-Ekiti, held under the #EkitiDecides2026 Initiative.
The meeting was co-hosted through a collaborative efforts involving the International Press Centre (IPC), Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), TAF Africa and other partners, with support from the European Union.
Addressing participants at the event, the Executive Director of IPC, Mr Lanre Arogundade, stressed the importance of inclusive journalism in strengthening democracy and ensuring that no group is excluded from the electoral processes. He urged media organisations to consciously provide space for the voices and concerns of Persons with Disabilities during election coverage.
According to Arogundade, the media remains a critical institution in shaping public discourse and must adopt reporting approaches that reflect diversity, fairness and equal access to information for all citizens.
Also speaking, the Chairman of CEMESO, Dr Akin Akingbulu, highlighted the strategic role of media regulation and ethical reporting in advancing inclusive elections. He said media organisations should go beyond routine political coverage to intentionally project issues affecting vulnerable groups.
Akingbulu noted that inclusive media engagement contributes to transparency, accountability and public trust in democratic processes, especially during election periods.
Representing TAF Africa, the Project Manager said the organisation remains committed to promoting disability inclusion and ensuring that Persons with Disabilities participate meaningfully in governance and electoral activities.
The Project Manager explained that media institutions have a responsibility to eliminate barriers to information and create platforms that allow PWDs to express their views, engage candidates and make informed electoral decisions.
Participants at the meeting agreed on the need for sustained collaboration among media organisations, regulators, civil society groups and disability advocates to deepen media inclusivity and support a peaceful, credible and inclusive governorship election in Ekiti State.
