The new leadership to pilot the affairs of Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) Akwa Ibom State chapter for the next four years has been inaugurated.
Members of the association on Friday, July 22, 2022, gathered at the Women Development Centre, IBB Avenue, Uyo to elect a new executive to run the affairs of the association. The election started with the accreditation of delegates and presentation of manifestos by the candidates.
The entire election process was supervised by the Commissioner for Women affairs and social welfare, Dr. Ini Adiakpan and observed by the National representatives of Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Mary Jane Nnweke, and Mr Ernest Ibuzor, the South South Cordinator.
Addressing the newly elected executive officers of Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Ini Adiakpan thanked God for the success of the election, stressing that it would not have been possible without God in view of the tension the election generated among various interests of the organization.
Dr. Adiakpan appreciated Governor Udom Emmanuel and his wife, Dr. Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel for their passion towards the welfare of persons with disabilities in the State and for making the needed resources available to cater for their needs and for the conduct of the election.
She charged the new Executives to work together with the government to ensure that the completion Agenda is successfully implemented while also ensuring the succession plan of the majority of Akwa Ibom people through pastor Umo Eno is achieved.
While congratulating the newly elected officials, Dr. Adiakpan urged the new Executives to surge the clusters and bring in development to better the lives of members of the clusters in the state.
She stressed that with the new vision of the newly elected executives in showing ability in disability, Akwa Ibom state will set a template for other States to follow.
Dr. Adiakpan who stated that every incoming member of the executive must be internet friendly, hinted that exploration of the internet will enable them to interface with their colleagues around the world to learn best practices and access enormous resources from the internet world.
She also admonished all heads of clusters to ensure that all their members have taken part in the ongoing voters registration in the State to enable them participate fully in the 2023 general elections.
Speaking at the event, the South South cordinator Mr, Ernest Ibuzor appreciated the Association for the warm welcome and extolled the the State Governor for his support to the welfare of his members and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare , Dr. Ini Adiakpan and the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Margaret Edem for their efforts in making the election of the new Exco successful.
While Congratulating the newly elected executive, he appealed to them to stand by their words, carry everyone along because at the end, they will give account of their works.
Emerging as the State chairman of JONAPWD was Comrade Anietie Jackson of the Deaf cluster and Secretary, Mr Ubong Ben of the Blind Cluster and Treasurer, Mrs Nnene Bassey of the Albinism Cluster amongst others.
The newly elected chairman appreciated God for the success of the election and thanked the State Governor, Mr.Udom Emmanuel, the Commissioner and the Permanent Secretary for their support towards the election.
Comrade, Anietie Jackson promised to do his job diligently and promised to work in harmony with the executive and clusters in the State.
The newly elected executive were sworn into office by the Director of legal services in the ministry, Barr. Bassey Ekah.
