The Community Advancement Initiative for Self Reliance (CAI4SR), with support from the Christian Blind Mission (CBM) International, has tasked journalists to lead advocacy for the implementation of the Osun State Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Law, 2024.
The charge was given at a media sensitization workshop held in Osogbo under the Advancing Disability Inclusive Development project.
The workshop was aimed at equipping journalists with knowledge and tools for ethical and disability-sensitive reporting, and to promote the provisions of the Law across radio, television, print and online platforms.
Facilitators simplified key provisions of the Law, including mandatory accessibility of all public buildings. Under the Law, any new public structure in Osun without ramps or accessible entrances is in violation. Violators risk six months imprisonment upon conviction, while existing structures have a five-year transitional period to comply.
Other provisions discussed include the 5% employment quota for qualified Persons with Disabilities and the criminalization of discrimination in access to goods, services, and public transport, as well as the use of Persons with Disabilities for street begging.
The Law also establishes the Osun State Bureau of Persons with Disabilities to coordinate welfare, education, healthcare and inclusion policies.
As the official media partner for the project, Voice Air Media said it has commenced airing jingles in English, Yoruba and Pidgin, explainer videos, and interactive phone-in programmes to educate the public on the Law.