— Hosts Reflection Meeting to Celebrate Milestone in Disability-Inclusive Governance
Abuja, Nigeria
In a significant stride toward inclusive governance, TAF Africa, with funding support from the European Union’s Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN II), has concluded a pioneering Legislative Internship Programme for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). The initiative, which deployed 10 legislative interns with disabilities to the National Assembly, was celebrated on Friday during a Reflection Meeting in Abuja.
The three-month internship programme, hailed as groundbreaking, aimed to enhance disability-inclusive representation in the Nigerian legislature by dismantling barriers, deepening lawmakers’ understanding of inclusive governance, and boosting the visibility and participation of PWDs in legislative processes. The event brought together high-level stakeholders from government institutions, civil society, and the disability community to assess the impact of the programme.
Ambassador Jake Epelle, CEO and Founder of TAF Africa, emphasized the transformative nature of the project in his keynote remarks.
“This initiative was never just about internships. It was about shaking the very foundation of exclusion that has kept persons with disabilities out of legislative spaces. My dream is that some of these interns will become lawmakers someday. This is only the pilot—we intend to scale it up so more PWDs find their way into the National Assembly,” he said.
Amb. Epelle noted that the initiative wasn’t only an exposure for the interns but a deliberate effort to create a pipeline of future leaders with disabilities. He also called for improved sign language interpretation infrastructure at the National Assembly to foster greater accessibility for the Deaf Community, describing the current system as inadequate.
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Chinemerem Njoku, Senior Clerk of the House of Representatives Committee on Disabilities, represented the Committee Chairman, Hon. Bashiru Ayinla Dawodu. She applauded the programme as a “milestone in Nigeria’s legislative journey towards full inclusion.”
“When the 10 interns arrived, we ensured they were posted across various committees. One of them was assigned to my office, and I must say, they’ve been exceptional—intelligent, committed, always eager to learn. Some even participated in oversight visits on compliance with disability laws,” Njoku said.
She stressed that government must do more to create public service pathways for PWDs, highlighting the need to prioritize intellectual capacity over physical ability in recruitment and appointments.
“We must see beyond physical limitations. Many of these interns have the intellectual power to drive change. They are loyal, disciplined, and smart—exactly the kind of leaders Nigeria needs,” she added.
The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD), Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, described the programme as a “game-changer” in the journey toward full inclusion.
“This programme proves that inclusion is no longer just an ambition—it is now a lived reality. It has provided young persons with disabilities with hands-on experience in legislative affairs. I commend TAF Africa and the EU for this impactful initiative,” Gufwan said.
One of the high points of the reflection meeting was when the interns themselves took the stage to share their experiences, outline the knowledge gained, highlight gaps, and propose recommendations to further improve the programme. The event provided a safe space for feedback and honest conversations about the future of disability-inclusive governance in Nigeria.
Many of the interns expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting that the exposure had transformed their perception of governance and inspired them to push for more inclusive policies in their own communities.
“Before this internship, I didn’t see the legislature as a space I could exist in. Now, I believe not only that I belong, but that I can lead,” said Aver Akighir, one of the interns, drawing resounding applause from the audience.
The Legislative Internship Programme, which ran from May to July 2025, is part of TAF Africa’s broader vision to mainstream disability inclusion in democratic processes. With the successful conclusion of this pilot phase, all eyes are now on the next steps—particularly how stakeholders will sustain and expand this effort.
As the curtain drew on the reflection meeting, one thing became clear: the walls that once excluded persons with disabilities from the heart of Nigeria’s democracy are beginning to crumble, and with programmes like this, a new, inclusive future is within reach.
🔖 Key Highlights
- 10 PWD interns deployed to National Assembly for 3 months.
- 6 committees directly engaged interns for firsthand legislative experience.
- Programme focused on inclusive bill drafting, oversight duties, and visibility of PWDs in governance.
- Calls made for stronger sign language interpretation infrastructure at the legislature.
- Interns proposed future improvements, including permanent inclusion desks at the National Assembly.
