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Summary
Ms Ann Ojugu has been re-elected as Chairperson of JONAPWD in Edo State, pledging to establish a disability commission to enhance support for persons with disabilities.
Ms Ann Ojugu has been re-elected as the Chairperson of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD) on February 15, 2025 in Edo State.
As part of her commitment in the new term, Ann vows to push for the establishment of a disability commission to strengthen institutional support for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Ann secured a landslide victory in Saturday’s keenly contested election in Benin, polling 105 votes against her challenger, Emmanuel Omoike, who garnered six votes.
Speaking after her swearing-in, Ann Ojugu emphasised that the disability commission will help the association to drive policies, attract local and international funding, and ensure better welfare for PWDs in Edo.
She highlighted key achievements, including job creation for PWDs and disability-friendly infrastructure in government buildings, as she reflected on the successes of her first tenure as Chairperson of the association.
She also pointed to the new secretariat building as a symbol of progress and vowed to expand opportunities for PWDs in her second term.
Reaffirming her commitment to advocacy, she urged the government and society to recognise that disability does not define an individual’s potential.
“The government needs to be sensitised. We need to make sure that even if a person has a disability, that disability does not define who they are. It is a society that defines who we are,” she said.
Ann Ojugu thanked JONAPWD members for their trust and promised to work tirelessly toward a more inclusive Edo State for persons with disabilities.
“My plan is to intensify efforts to ensure that before the next four years, we get the commission working in the state,” she said. “This commission is very important because it will help drive policies and attract foreign donors.”
The election, overseen by Electoral Committee Chairman Victor Imahingbe, also saw Kingsley Osadolor emerge as Vice Chairman with 57 votes, defeating Matthew Akabue (34 votes) and Justice Odigie (18 votes). Ibrahim Momoh was elected Secretary with 105 votes, while Charles Omokaro secured eight votes.
Other winners included Sunday Osagiede (Treasurer), Bartholomew Okudu (Assistant Secretary), Loveth Aboki (Financial Secretary), Wilson Ebague (Public Relations Officer), and Favour Ehigiamujo (Chief Whip), all of whom were declared unopposed.
Dele Atole was elected unopposed as State Women Coordinator, while Ashia Vincent, Jacob Edeki, and Rachael Iyoke were returned as representatives for Edo South, North, and Central, respectively.
This story was first published on BONewsservice.
