“Words Matter”: Gombe Disability Commission Chairman Demands End to Harmful Language in Media

 Inclusive Reporters Ng 

The Executive Chairman of the Gombe State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Dr. Adamu Ishaq, has issued a strong call for Nigerian media organisations to end the use of ableist language and derogatory expressions against persons with disabilities.

In a statement released on Saturday, September 27, 2025, Dr. Ishaq described the persistence of such language in popular programmes and everyday speech as a setback to true inclusion in Nigeria. He stressed that words have the power to either empower or devalue citizens, and urged the media to take the lead in creating positive change.

“Expressions such as ‘Ka taba ganin kurma ya amsa kira ne?’ or ‘Ko makaho yasan an yi aiki’ are not just figures of speech—they reinforce stigma and discrimination. Normalising them teaches society to view persons with disabilities as less valuable or incapable,” he warned.

Dr. Ishaq recalled that while serving as National President of the Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB), he raised formal concerns with AREWA24 in 2018 over negative portrayals in its Dadin Kowa drama series. Despite promises of reform, he noted that much of the change has not been implemented. He also expressed disappointment over a recent episode of BBC Hausa’s Gane Mini Hanya, where a former governor used an ableist phrase on air.

“BBC Hausa has often been an ally in advancing disability awareness, which makes it even more important that they set the standard and discourage harmful language on their platforms,” he said.

Disability advocates echoed Dr. Ishaq’s concerns. Comrade Abdullahi Ali, a representative of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), said: “Language is the foundation of attitudes. When the media repeats ableist expressions, it legitimises discrimination. We call on all broadcasters to review their scripts and commit to inclusive reporting.”

Similarly, Hauwa Mohammed, a deaf rights activist based in Kano, stressed that everyday insults rooted in disability terms have real-life consequences. “When people casually use words like kurma or gurgu as jokes or slurs, it affects how employers, teachers, and neighbours treat us. Respectful words create respectful societies,” she noted.

As part of his appeal, the Gombe disability boss urged editors, producers, and influencers to adopt strict editorial guidelines, provide inclusive-language training, and involve persons with disabilities in content decisions. “If Nigeria has rejected tribal or gender-based insults, we must also reject ableist language. Words like makaho, kurma, gurgu, or kuturu should never be used as insults,” he added.

Dr. Ishaq concluded with a message to the public: “Every time we choose respect over ridicule and inclusion over exclusion, we bring Nigeria closer to fairness and equality. The language we use matters—it can either open doors or close them.”