The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) has unveiled JONAPWD EXTRA, a new information and communication platform designed to strengthen coordination, transparency, and service delivery for persons with disabilities (PWDs) across Nigeria.
The platform was launched at the association’s National Secretariat in Abuja, where the National President of JONAPWD, Mr. Abdullahi Usman Aliyu, said the initiative would serve as a central hub for disseminating accurate information, addressing inquiries, documenting complaints, and guiding members on policies, programmes, and opportunities relevant to the disability community.
According to him, JONAPWD EXTRA will provide timely updates on advocacy campaigns, policy reviews, government empowerment programmes, health services, educational opportunities, and social protection initiatives. He noted that the platform is part of the association’s ongoing efforts to improve internal communication, enhance accountability, and deepen engagement with stakeholders nationwide.
At the event, Mr. Aliyu also appointed Mr. Kenneth Echiche, a veteran journalist, as Chief Editor of the platform, alongside six zonal correspondents representing Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. He charged the editorial team to maintain professionalism, diligence, and accuracy in their reportage, in line with the ethics of the journalism profession.
Speaking on behalf of the editorial team, Mr. Echiche thanked the JONAPWD leadership for the confidence reposed in them, describing the initiative as timely and strategic. He said the platform would publish news stories twice weekly — on Wednesdays and Saturdays — except during special events, and would also function as a feedback channel for members to report challenges and receive prompt responses.
Stakeholders and disability advocates who attended the launch commended the association for prioritizing inclusive information management and community engagement. They noted that access to timely and reliable information remains a critical tool for empowerment and social inclusion, expressing optimism that JONAPWD EXTRA would strengthen advocacy, enhance coordination among clusters, and amplify the voice of persons with disabilities nationwide.
They added that the initiative reaffirms JONAPWD’s commitment to promoting inclusion, protecting rights, and advancing opportunities for persons with disabilities in Nigeria, urging members across all states to actively engage with the platform and contribute to its success.
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