Ann Ojugo was re-elected as the chairperson of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Edo State following the organization’s quadrennial elections in Benin City on Friday.
As part of her intentions for the upcoming term, Ojugo pledged in her inauguration speech to work toward the creation of a Disability Commission in Edo State to improve institutional support for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
In order to overcome her opponent, Emmanuel Omoike, who garnered six votes, Comrade Ann Ojugo received a resounding majority of the votes cast by delegates from the state’s 18 local government areas and six disability clusters, totaling 105 votes.
The Electoral Committee, led by Mr. Victor Imahingbe, conducted the election, and Kingsley Osadolor won the position of Vice Chairman with 57 votes, defeating Justice Odigie (18 votes) and Matthew Akabue (34 votes). With 105 votes, Mr. Ibrahim Momoh was also chosen Secretary, while Charles Omokaro, his opponent, received eight votes.
Additional elected officers are Favour Ehigiamusoe (Chief Whip), Wilson Ebague (Public Relations Officer), Loveth Abokin (Financial Secretary), Sunday Osagiede (Treasurer), and Bartholomew Okudu (Assistant Secretary). In addition, Ashia Vincent, Jacob Edeki, and Rachael Iyeke were re-elected as senate representatives for Edo South, Edo North, and Edo Central, respectively, and Dele Atole was chosen to serve as State Women Coordinator.
Following her swearing-in, Ojugo stressed that the Disability Commission will support the association in promoting policies, securing domestic and foreign financing, and guaranteeing improved welfare for people with disabilities in Edo.
Ojugo outlined significant accomplishments from her first term as Chairperson, such as the creation of jobs for people with disabilities and the installation of disability-accessible infrastructure in government facilities.
In addition, she pledged to increase possibilities for PWDs during her second term and cited the new secretariat building as a sign of advancement. She reaffirmed her dedication to campaigning and asked society and the government to acknowledge that a person’s potential is not defined by their condition.
“The government needs to be sensitized. We need to make sure that even if a person has a disability, that disability does not define who they are. It is society that defines who we are,” she said.
Ojugo members of thanked JONAPWD for their trust and pledge to work tirelessly toward a more inclusive Edo State for persons with disabilities.
