Newly re-elected chairperson of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Edo, Ann Ojugu, has pledged to push for the establishment of a disability commission in the state.
Speaking to journalists after her swearing-in, Ms Ojugu reaffirmed her commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Edo.
Ms Ojugu, who secured a second four-year term in a keenly contested election in Benin on Saturday, emphasized the need for an institutional framework to support PWDs and attract funding from both local and international sources.
“My plan is to intensify efforts so that within the next four years, the commission becomes a reality. This will drive policies and attract foreign donors,” she stated.
In the election, Ms Ojugu won by a landslide, securing 105 votes against her challenger, Emmanuel Omoike, who garnered six votes. The electoral committee, chaired by Victor Imahingbe, also announced Kingsley Osadolor as vice chairman after he won with 57 votes, defeating Mathew Akabue (34 votes) and Justice Odigie (18 votes).
Reflecting on her first tenure, Ms Ojugu highlighted achievements such as creating job opportunities for PWDs and implementing disability-friendly infrastructure in government buildings. She pointed to the new JONAPWD secretariat as a symbol of progress.
“Many of us secured jobs during my first term, and we expect even more opportunities in the coming years,” she said.
She urged the government and society to embrace inclusivity, emphasizing that disability should not define a person’s potential.
“We must ensure that a person’s disability does not determine their worth. It is society that defines who we are,” she stated.
Expressing gratitude to JONAPWD members for their trust, Ms Ojugu vowed to continue advocating for a more inclusive Edo State.
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