The Joint National Association of Persons with Disability (JONAPWD) Akwa Ibom State Chapter has inaugurated a new set of executives to pilot affairs of the association for the next four years.
The election had members of the association converge at the Women Development Centre, IBB Avenue, Uyo, on Friday, July 22, 2022.
The election process was supervised by the commissioner for Women affairs and Social welfare, Dr. Ini Adiakpan. National representatives of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Mary Jane Nnweke and Mr Ernest Ibuzor, the South South Coordinator were on ground to observe the process.
While addressing the newly elected executive officers of Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Ini Adiakpan appreciated Governor Udom Emmanuel and his wife, Dr. Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel for their passion towards welfare of persons with disabilities in the State and for making the needed resources available to cater for their needs and for the conduct of the election.
She charged the new Executives to work together with the government to ensure that the completion Agenda is successfully implemented. She also expressed hope that the succession plan of the majority of Akwa Ibom people is achieved through Pastor Umo Eno.
While congratulating the newly elected officials, Dr. Adiakpan urged them to work towards an upsurge of growth within the clusters. They are to bring in development to better the lives of members of the clusters in the State. She stressed that with the vision of the newly elected executives to show forth the abilities in disability, Akwa Ibom State will set a template for other States to follow.
Dr. Adiakpan who stated that every incoming members of the Executive must be internet friendly, emphasized that exploration of the internet will enable them to interface with their colleagues around the world, to learn best practices and also access enormous resources from the internet world. She also admonished all heads of clusters to ensure that all their members have taken part in the ongoing voters registration in the State to enable them participate fully in the 2023 general elections.
Also speaking at the event was the South South coordinator of JONAPWD, Mr, Ernest Ibuzor. Ibuzor congratulated the newly elected executives, he appealed to them to stand by their words, to carry everyone along because at the end, they will give account of their works.
Emerging as the State chairman of JONAPWD was Comrade Anietie Jackson of the Deaf cluster. Mr Ubong Ben of the Blind Cluster won the post for secretary. Meanwhile, Mrs Nnene Bassey of Albinism Cluster is the treasurer.
Mr. Jackson promised to do his job diligently and to work in harmony with the executive and other clusters in the State.
The newly elected executives were sworn into office by the Director of legal services in the ministry, Barr. Bassey Ekah.