The Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD) has held her quadrennial elections in Benin city with Ann Ojugo re-elected as the Chairperson of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Edo State.

Ojugo, in her inaugural speech vowed to work for the establishment of the Disability Commission commission in Edo State to strengthen institutional support for Persons with Disabilities n(PWDs) as part of her plans for the new term.

During the elections, Comrade Ann Ojugo secured the overwhelming majority of votes cast by delegates across the six Disability Clusters and across the 18 local government areas of the state, polling a total of 105 to defeat her fellow contestant, Emmanuel Omoike, who got six votes.

The election, which was conducted by the Electoral Committee headed by Mr. Victor Imahingbe, also saw Kingsley Osadolor emerge as Vice Chairman with 57 votes, defeating Matthew Akabue (34 votes) and Justice Odigie (18 votes).
Mr. Ibrahim Momoh was also elected Secretary with 105 votes, while his rival for the position, Charles Omokaro secured eight votes.

Other elected officials include Sunday Osagiede (Treasurer), Bartholomew Okudu (Assistant Secretary), Loveth Abokin (Financial Secretary), Wilson Ebague (Public Relations Officer), and Favour Ehigiamusoe (Chief Whip). Other elected officials include
Dele Atole who was elected as State Women Coordinator, while Ashia Vincent, Jacob Edeki, and Rachael Iyeke were returned as senatorial representatives for Edo South, Edo North, and Edo Central, respectively

Speaking after her swearing-in, Ojugu emphasized that the disability commission will help the association to drive policies, attract local and international funding, and ensure better welfare for PWDs in Edo.

Ojugu 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 recognize that disability does not define an individual’s potential.

“The government needs to be sensitized. We need to make sure that even if a person has a disability, that disability does not define who they are. It is society that defines who we are,” she said.

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.”