Mr. Ayo Awobona has been elected as the new Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Ogun State.
In his inaugural address in Abeokuta, Awobona emphasized the importance of unity as a foundation for advancing the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities in the state.
He stated, “A lot depends on unity. If we truly want to achieve much, we must come together.”
Awobona’s administration aims to strengthen collaboration between the association and various stakeholders, including government agencies and the private sector.
He acknowledged ongoing disputes among two clusters within JONAPWD but expressed optimism about reconciling these issues.
“By God’s grace, we will resolve whatever is causing the problem and bring them back into the JONAPWD fold. Together, our voice will be unified,” he assured.
The new chairman also outlined plans to enhance engagement with government and private organizations to improve awareness of the challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
“We need a reorientation in society. Our goal is to ensure that people understand who we are and how we can collectively move forward,” he said.
As the 2027 general elections approach, Awobona called for increased political inclusion of persons with disabilities.
He announced plans for collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to boost voter registration among members.
Awobona commended INEC for its involvement in the recent election, noting that its presence helped educate members about accessibility measures in the electoral process.
“We will continue to sensitize our members about their rights and the facilities available to them,” he added.
He also expressed intentions to work with INEC to organize localized Permanent Voter Card registration drives in communities with significant populations of persons with disabilities.
“By bringing registration closer to our members, we can enhance participation, as mobility remains a significant challenge for many,” he explained.
Awobona's vision for his tenure includes a commitment to inclusivity and advocacy, aiming to empower persons with disabilities in Ogun State.
His leadership promises a concerted effort to ensure that their voices are heard and their rights are upheld.
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