Lagos, Nigeria – Yinka Olaito, Africa Lead of the African Journalists with Disabilities (AJOD), has been honoured with the Inclusion and Diversity Award at the Active Citizens Awards 2026, organised by BudgIT. The recognition celebrates his outstanding commitment to advancing inclusive journalism, amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities, and championing equal participation across Africa’s media landscape.

The award was presented during the 2026 edition of the Active Citizens Awards, an initiative that recognises individuals and organisations driving positive social change, promoting transparency, strengthening civic engagement, and creating meaningful impact within their communities. Through the awards, BudgIT celebrates changemakers whose work inspires active citizenship and contributes to a more accountable, equitable and inclusive society.

Olaito’s recognition reflects years of dedicated advocacy to improve media representation of persons with disabilities while promoting accessibility and inclusion in journalism. As Africa Lead of the African Journalists with Disabilities, he has worked closely with journalists, media organisations, civil society groups and development partners to encourage disability-inclusive reporting, build the capacity of media professionals, and advocate for equal opportunities for journalists with disabilities across the continent.

Reacting to the recognition, Olaito described the award as a tribute to the resilience and collective efforts of disability advocates, journalists and organisations committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in media and public discourse.

“This award is not just a personal achievement but a recognition of the growing movement for inclusive journalism and equal representation across Africa. It reinforces the importance of creating spaces where the voices of persons with disabilities are heard, respected and reflected in the stories that shape our societies,” he said.

The organisers noted that the Inclusion and Diversity Award recognises individuals whose work has significantly promoted equity, accessibility and participation, particularly among historically marginalised groups. Olaito’s leadership within the African Journalists with Disabilities network was highlighted as an example of sustained advocacy that has influenced conversations around inclusive communication and disability rights.

This year’s Active Citizens Awards also celebrated changemakers across several categories, recognising individuals and organisations whose work has made notable contributions to civic participation, accountability, innovation, community development, youth engagement, environmental sustainability and social impact. The award recipients represent diverse sectors and demonstrate the power of citizen-led action in addressing societal challenges and improving governance.

Over the years, BudgIT has established the Active Citizens Awards as a platform for spotlighting exceptional individuals whose efforts often take place outside the public spotlight but have created measurable change in their communities. By recognising these contributions, the initiative seeks to encourage greater citizen participation and inspire a new generation of leaders committed to transparency, inclusion and sustainable development.

Colleagues and partners of the African Journalists with Disabilities have congratulated Olaito on the achievement, describing the honour as a well-deserved recognition of his unwavering dedication to inclusive media practice and disability rights advocacy. They noted that the award further strengthens the organisation’s mission to build a media ecosystem where journalists with disabilities can thrive and where disability issues are reported accurately, respectfully and inclusively.

Olaito’s recognition at the Active Citizens Awards 2026 underscores the growing importance of inclusive leadership in Africa’s development agenda. It also reaffirms the critical role that journalism plays in promoting social justice, amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering a society where diversity is embraced as a strength rather than a barrier.

Yinka Olaito(inGreen) among a few of other awardees)

The African Journalists with Disabilities congratulates all recipients of the Active Citizens Awards 2026 and commends BudgIT for recognising individuals and organisations whose work continues to inspire positive change across Nigeria and the African continent.