The Imo State chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD) is gearing up for a major event, as it holds its congress on Saturday, November 2, 2024. This significant gathering will take place at the Imo State Council of Arts and Culture on Wetheral Road in Owerri, marking a pivotal moment for the organization as it prepares to elect an electoral body responsible for overseeing upcoming state executive elections in January 2025.
According to a statement released by Hon. Dr. Stanley Chinedu Nwachukwu, the Imo State leader of JONAPWD, the congress is set to begin at 9:00 am. Dr. Nwachukwu, who is also the Special Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) South East chapter, expressed that the upcoming congress represents a crucial milestone for JONAPWD and the broader community of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Imo State.
The primary highlight of the event will be the election of the electoral body, which will play a fundamental role in organizing and conducting the forthcoming state executive elections. This election will be conducted using the open-secret ballot system, a process that Dr. Nwachukwu emphasized as essential to promoting transparency and democracy within JONAPWD. He stated, “This congress is more than a procedural gathering; it’s a demonstration of our commitment to fairness and the empowerment of Persons With Disabilities across Imo State. Through transparent elections, we are reinforcing the foundations of inclusive leadership for our members.”
In his announcement, Dr. Nwachukwu extended a formal invitation to the Imo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, as well as prominent government officials, urging them to attend and witness the congress proceedings. This invitation underscores JONAPWD’s ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with state government bodies, with the aim of fostering greater inclusivity and representation of PWDs within the Imo State administration.
The congress will bring together an array of influential voices, including all local government JONAPWD Chairmen and Secretaries, cluster heads, and their Secretaries. Additionally, critical stakeholders from various sectors dedicated to the rights and welfare of PWDs in Imo State will be present, creating a unique opportunity for engagement, networking, and dialogue.
Dr. Nwachukwu expressed his hope that the congress would serve as a platform for strengthening the unity of PWDs across the state while also addressing critical issues impacting their welfare. “This congress is not only about electing an electoral body; it is about building a stronger, more united JONAPWD that can effectively champion the rights and welfare of Persons With Disabilities in Imo State,” he added.
The upcoming congress marks an important chapter for JONAPWD Imo State as it advances its mission of advocacy, inclusivity, and empowerment for Persons With Disabilities. As the event approaches, anticipation is high among members and stakeholders alike, with expectations that the outcomes of the congress will lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and representative leadership structure in Imo State’s PWD community.
