The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, has urged the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) to strengthen its unity and leadership structure, recommending the appointment of disability affairs aides across the state’s local government areas.
Ibanga made the call on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, while receiving members of the JONAPWD Caretaker Committee at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs in Uyo, where she reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
She said the establishment of the ministry, with responsibility for PWDs under its mandate, demonstrated Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to addressing their needs and ensuring their inclusion in government interventions.
The commissioner, drawing from her experience as a former local government chairman, said her interactions with PWDs had deepened her understanding of their challenges and the importance of providing them with opportunities, support and a sense of belonging.
She assured the association of the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with JONAPWD and other stakeholders to improve the welfare of PWDs, adding that their concerns would receive attention within the ministry’s capacity.
Ibanga urged members to avoid internal disagreements and distractions that could undermine their collective progress. She also recommended that local government chairmen consider appointing aides on disability affairs to strengthen communication, improve coordination and ensure that the needs of PWDs receive adequate attention at the grassroots.
She further encouraged members to sustain constructive engagement with the government and urged eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to participate in the electoral process.
Earlier, the Chairman of the JONAPWD Caretaker Committee, Mr Nsikak Udo, commended the ministry for maintaining cordial relations with disability clusters across Akwa Ibom State.
Udo said government interventions, including food palliatives for indigent PWDs, wheelchairs and other mobility aids, had provided relief and renewed hope among members, reflecting the commitment of the Governor Umo Eno-led administration to disability inclusion.
He explained that the caretaker committee was recently inaugurated to address leadership challenges and reposition JONAPWD in the state. He appealed to the ministry to support the organisation of a state congress to enlighten members, correct misinformation and strengthen collaboration with the supervisory ministry and the state government’s ARISE Agenda.
The committee chairman also sought assistance for delegates attending the association’s national convention in Kaduna, alongside support for annual international celebrations organised by disability clusters to promote awareness and encourage the productivity of PWDs.
Udo reaffirmed the commitment of cluster leaders and members across the state’s 31 local government areas to supporting Governor Eno, pledging their votes in the forthcoming elections.
In his vote of thanks, the Governor’s Personal Assistant on PWDs, Comrade Ubong Ikpe, commended the ministry’s leadership for its openness, patience and continued support for the disability community.
Ikpe also appreciated the cluster heads for their cooperation and reaffirmed the disability community’s support for Governor Eno and all All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the 2027 elections.
Inclusive News Network reports that the meeting underscored the importance of stronger collaboration between the government and disability organisations in improving representation, strengthening grassroots coordination and advancing the inclusion of persons with disabilities across Akwa Ibom State.
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