Osun 2026: TAF Africa To Deploy 25 Sign Language Interpreters For PWDs

«”For the Osun governorship election, we will deploy 25 sign language interpreters to polling units where deaf voters are expected. This is part of our commitment to ensuring that no eligible voter is disenfranchised because of disability,” Adaji said.»

He urged persons with disabilities across the state to come out en masse on election day and exercise their civic rights, while calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure polling units are accessible to all eligible voters.

According to Adaji, TAF Africa remain committed to removing barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from participating in Nigeria’s democratic process.

He explained that the organization, formally known as the Albino Foundation, expanded its mandate to cater to all categories of persons with disabilities in pursuit of human rights, opportunities and participation in governance.

«”TAF Africa was formerly known as the Albino Foundation, but we have expanded our mandate to cater for all persons with disabilities because every disability group deserves equal rights, equal opportunities and equal participation in governance,” he said.»

Adaji said the organisation’s inclusion agenda is anchored on three strategic pillars—Able to Vote, Able to Lead and Able to Serve—which seek to promote political participation, leadership and public service among persons with disabilities.

He explained that while the Able to Vote initiative focuses on voter education and electoral participation, the other pillars encourage qualified persons with disabilities to contest elections, occupy leadership positions and secure appointments in government.

The programme manager further disclosed that TAF Africa has continued to engage INEC on measures to improve accessibility at polling units, identifying inaccessible voting centres, inadequate communication support for deaf voters and the absence of Braille materials for visually impaired voters as major challenges.

He stressed the need for polling units to be accessible to wheelchair users and other persons with mobility challenges

«”Polling units must be accessible to everyone. A wheelchair user should not be forced through difficult terrain before casting a vote. Where necessary, electoral officials should bring the ballot box closer to the voter,” he said.

Adaji also maintained that visually impaired voters should be allowed to choose trusted companions to assist them in casting their ballots instead of having assistants imposed on them by election officials.

He further advocated greater political inclusion of persons with disabilities through elective and appointive positions, noting that they constitute about 15 per cent of Nigeria’s population.

«”Persons with disabilities make up about 15 per cent of the population. They deserve representation in governance, appointments and leadership positions. Their voices must be heard. We urge every eligible person with disability in Osun State to come out on August 15 and vote. Your vote is your voice, and your participation strengthens the call for a more inclusive democracy,” he added.»

Speaking on behalf of participants, the Zonal Coordinator for Persons with Disabilities in Ikirun Zone, Prince Adebare Olaosebikan, described the sensitisation programme as timely and impactful.

He said many persons with disabilities experienced challenges during previous elections, particularly due to inaccessible polling units and inadequate support for wheelchair users, but expressed optimism that TAF Africa’s interventions would improve their voting experience.

«”This programme has given us renewed confidence ahead of the governorship election. We now understand our rights better and believe our voices will count. We are hopeful that the interventions being championed by TAF Africa will improve the situation,” he said.»

Olaosebikan added that members of the disability community were determined to come out in large numbers to vote for candidates of their choice.

Another participant, Aboderin Michael Adeolu, said the sensitisation programme had equipped participants with a better understanding of their electoral rights and responsibilities.

According to him, beneficiaries would step down the knowledge gained to other persons with disabilities in their communities to encourage wider participation in the August 15 governorship election.