Blessing Oladunjoye, publisher of BONews Service, conducted a one-day seminar for Master’s students in Mass Communication at the University of Lagos.
The seminar which was held on August 7, 2024, was part of the MAS 803- Topical Seminar in Mass Communication course and was supported by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism under its Report Women! News and Newsroom Engagement initiative.
The seminar, themed ‘Disability Reporting,’ was hosted at the Department of Mass Communication’s Centre for Excellence Hall, drawing approximately 100 students.
Oladunjoye focused on the significance of reporting on disability, emphasizing that not all disabilities are visible.
She highlighted essential mechanisms for ensuring the equal participation of persons with disabilities in media narratives, using pictures and illustrations.
Oladunjoye covered various disability models—charity, medical, social, and rights-based—and provided practical tips for reporting, interviewing, and avoiding common pitfalls.
She also referenced the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, stressing the importance of accurate and inclusive reporting.
In her address, Oladunjoye recommended integrating disability issues into a variety of topics and using inclusive language. This approach inspired students to develop story ideas and express commitments to disability-focused journalism.
For instance, Oge Ugwu Nkirikuka expressed a desire to use disability reporting for advocacy and justice, while Ijeoma Thomas Odia planned to investigate accessibility issues in public infrastructure. Temiloluwa Tijani aimed to address the importance of clear disclaimers at public events.
Professor Abigail Ogwezzy, the course lecturer, commended Oladunjoye’s contribution and encouraged students to engage deeply with disability issues.
Dr. Suraj Olorunfesi, co-lecturer, highlighted the role of technology in empowering persons with disabilities, reinforcing the seminar’s call to action for more accurate and sensitive reporting.
The seminar underscored the shared responsibility of media professionals to ensure that persons with disabilities can fully participate in society, setting a new standard for disability reporting among students and journalists.
