The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Ogun State Chapter, has elected a new set of leaders in what turned out to be a peaceful and well-attended general election. The exercise ended with disability rights advocate Mr. Ayodele Awobona emerging as the new Chairman of the association.
The event drew representatives from different disability clusters, government agencies, development partners and other stakeholders who came together not just to witness the election but to discuss issues affecting persons with disabilities in the state. It was also an opportunity for members to reaffirm their commitment to working together for a stronger and more united association.
One of the high points of the programme was the formal admission of the Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN), Ogun State Chapter, into JONAPWD. Many participants described the development as an important step towards ensuring that every disability cluster has a place within the umbrella body.
The election itself was conducted peacefully, with delegates choosing a new executive council to lead the association. Besides Awobona as Chairman, the new executive includes Mr. Jimoh Ahmed as Vice Chairman, Mr. Segun Adeniyi as Chief Whip, Alhaji Sani Sakiru as Assistant General Secretary, Mrs. Adebimpe Oluwakemi as Financial Secretary, Mrs. Osidele Moturayo as Treasurer, Mrs. Ibironke Oluwakemi as Welfare Secretary, Mr. Salako Abayomi as Public Relations Officer, Mr. Adekunle Idowu as Sports and Youth Secretary, and Mrs. Ileyemi Olayinka as Women Leader.
Representing the National President of JONAPWD, Alhaji Aliyu Usman Abdullahi, the South-West Coordinator, Barrister Joseph Bulugbe, congratulated members for conducting themselves peacefully throughout the election. After swearing in the new executive, he urged them to remain united, put members’ welfare first and avoid anything that could divide the association. He also assured them of the continued support of the national leadership.
Representatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) told participants that the Corps has a disability desk in all 36 states. They encouraged disability organisations to keep the agency informed whenever they plan meetings or major programmes so that the Corps can provide support where necessary and strengthen its relationship with disability groups.
Officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) also addressed members, explaining the Commission’s efforts to make elections more accessible to persons with disabilities. They spoke on Form EC40H, which helps INEC collect data on eligible voters with disabilities for better planning, and encouraged members to register as voters and participate actively in future elections.
The new administration also received an early show of support when Priotia Group presented a financial donation during the inauguration. Members welcomed the gesture and described it as a good example of how partnerships with development organisations can help strengthen disability advocacy in the state.
In his acceptance speech, Awobona thanked members for the confidence they had placed in him, saying his election was “not a victory for Ayo Awobona, but a victory for unity, inclusion and our collective aspiration for a stronger JONAPWD Ogun State.”
He acknowledged the many challenges facing persons with disabilities, including limited economic opportunities, barriers to inclusion, inadequate access to healthcare and assistive devices, and the slow implementation of disability laws. Even so, he expressed confidence that the association could make meaningful progress if members remained united.
The new Chairman promised to run an inclusive administration where every disability cluster would have a voice. Among his immediate priorities are bringing back the Nigerian Association of the Blind (NAB) into the fold, strengthening the participation of persons with albinism, and rebuilding unity within the association.
Awobona also said one of his major goals is to develop credible disability data across Ogun State. According to him, reliable data is essential for effective planning, stronger advocacy and better government policies.
“We cannot continue to be counted out because we are not counted,” he said, while promising to work closely with government, development partners and other stakeholders to push for the full implementation of the Ogun State Disability Law.
He assured women, young people and members across all local government areas that his administration would be accessible, inclusive and responsive to their needs.
As the programme came to an end, there was a noticeable feeling of hope among participants. For many, the day’s event was about more than electing new leaders. It reflected a shared determination to build a more united JONAPWD that can speak with one voice and better protect the interests of persons with disabilities in Ogun State.
With a new leadership now in place, members say the real work begins. The expectation is that the administration will build on past efforts, strengthen partnerships and move the disability movement in Ogun State to the next level.
