NAPVID’s Courtesy Visit to ITV: Strengthening a Decade-Long Partnership for Disability Inclusion

In a heartfelt gesture of appreciation and advocacy, the Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID)—led by its Executive Director, Melody Omosah Esq., and accompanied by the Chairman of the Edo State Association of the Deaf, Kingsley Eromosele—recently visited Independent Television and Radio (ITV). This visit underscored a decade of collaborative efforts aimed at promoting the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria.

Over the past ten years, ITV has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of the disability community. Their extensive reach has facilitated numerous success stories, notably that of Kindness Idahosa who after a severe spinal cord ailment left her wheelchair-bound and out of school for 13 years, Kindness discovered NAPVID through an ITV broadcast. With NAPVID’s support, she resumed her education, graduated with a 2.1 from the Faculty of Law at the University of Benin, and successfully completed her final exams at the Nigerian Law School in Lagos. She is now on the verge of being called to the bar.​

Another testament to this partnership’s impact involves a PWD whose pastor learned about NAPVID’s initiatives on ITV concerning employment opportunities. This exposure led to his successful application and current employment with the Edo State Civil Service.​

Advocating for Enhanced Inclusion

During the visit, Mr. Omosah emphasized the need for ITV to introduce a TV program like “Hitches and Voices,” which is currently being aired on ITV Radio 92.3 FM every Friday at 2:00 p.m. According to him, this program will cater specifically to hearing-impaired individuals who cannot fully engage with radio broadcasts due to their impairment but can easily follow TV programs with the aid of a sign language interpreter, thereby promoting greater inclusivity.

He also highlighted the tragic incident in the Obazagbon community, where Mr. Efe Ogbeide—a man with hearing and speech impairments—lost his life due to a communal clash. This unfortunate incident, which claimed Mr. Ogbeide’s li fe, was exacerbated by his hearing impairment, as he could not hear the hoodlums approaching and was therefore unable to escape to safety. Mr. Omosah called upon the State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo and the Commissioner of Police to ensure justice for Mr. Ogbeide and to provide adequate support for his surviving family.​

Furthermore, he proposed a monthly segment on ITV’s “Man Around Town” radio program to raise awareness about the Citizen’s Mediation Center at the Ministry of Justice. This initiative aims to provide a neutral platform for resolving issues like land disputes and other societal matters.​

ITV’s Commitment to Continued Support

In response, ITV’s Managing Director, Engineer Elvis Obaseki, expressed deep sorrow over Mr. Ogbeide’s demise and assured comprehensive coverage of the ongoing protests related to the incident. He reaffirmed ITV’s dedication to supporting the disability community and announced plans to air “Hitches and Voices” on both television and radio, ensuring simultaneous broadcasts akin to the “Politics Today” program. This initiative aims to enhance inclusivity for hearing-impaired individuals.​

Regarding the Citizen’s Mediation Center, Engineer Obaseki committed to providing a monthly slot on both “This Morning on ITV” and “Man Around Town.” He believes that increasing public awareness of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms can address societal issues before they escalate.​

Additionally, he scheduled airtime for Mr. Omosah to discuss the circumstances surrounding Mr. Ogbeide’s death, aiming to raise public consciousness about protecting PWD rights.​

This courtesy visit reinforced the robust partnership between NAPVID and ITV, highlighting their shared commitment to fostering an inclusive society where PWDs are recognized, supported, and empowered. The initiatives discussed during the meeting are poised to further this mission, ensuring that the voices of all individuals, regardless of ability, are heard and valued.​

As NAPVID continues its advocacy and support for PWDs, collaborations with media partners like ITV remain crucial in changing narratives and promoting a more inclusive society.