A new leadership team has emerged to steer the affairs of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Abia State Chapter, following the successful conduct of the association’s state election held on February 27, 2026.
The election, which took place at the Women Development Centre of the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs, brought together members of the disability community from across the state to democratically choose leaders who will guide the organisation’s activities and advocacy efforts for the next four years.
At the end of the electoral process, Hon. Wisdom Kalu Okechukwu emerged as the Chairman of the association and will lead the state chapter from 2026 to 2030, alongside other newly elected executive members who will work collectively to advance the rights, welfare, and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Abia State.
A New Chapter for Disability Advocacy in Abia
The election marks an important milestone for the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities in Abia State, as stakeholders within the disability community expressed optimism that the new leadership will strengthen advocacy for inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities.
The newly elected executives are expected to focus on programmes and initiatives that will improve the living conditions of persons with disabilities, ensure their participation in governance, and promote policies that support their social and economic empowerment.
Full List of Elected Executive Members
The following individuals were elected to serve in various capacities within the association:
- Hon. Wisdom Kalu Okechukwu – Chairman
- Mr. Azubuike Okebugwu – Vice Chairman I
- Mr. Enyinnaya Nwosu – Vice Chairman II
- Mr. Ugochukwu Emmanuel Dick – General Secretary
- Mr. Ugwunna Dickson – Assistant Secretary
- Comrade Enwereuzo Blessing – Public Relations Officer (PRO)
- Mr. Ezeigbo Chinedu – Assistant Public Relations Officer
- Miss Okogbue Peace Chinasa – Financial Secretary
- Mr. Enwereji Chinedum Samuel – Treasurer
- Mr. Uchechukwu Uwalaka – Planning and Organising Secretary
- Mr. Nnaukwu Daniel – Assistant Planning and Organising Secretary
- Mr. Ifeanyi Israel – Social Welfare Officer
- Mrs. Patience Onyedeke Chika – Assistant Social Welfare Officer
- Mr. Ebogu Chukwuechefulam – Chief Whip I
- Mrs. Ekpo Chizoba Blessing – Chief Whip II
- Chief Obioma Aligekwe – Sports Secretary
- Miss Queen Chidinma Ekpo – Assistant Sports Secretary
- Mr. Ifeanyi Sunday – Abia South Zonal Coordinator
- Miss Chidinma Dennis – Abia Central Zonal Coordinator
- Mr. Bartholomew John Okoronkwo – Abia North Zonal Coordinator
Appointed Leaders to Strengthen Inclusiveness
In addition to the elected officials, several individuals were appointed into strategic positions to strengthen representation and participation within the association.
Those appointed include:
- Madam Blessing Nwakanma – Women Leader
- Miss Nelson Ihuoma Esther – Assistant Women Leader
- Miss Chioma Ekoro – Youth Leader
These appointments are aimed at ensuring that women and young persons with disabilities remain actively represented in the association’s leadership and decision-making processes.
Commitment to Inclusion and Development
Speaking on behalf of the newly elected leadership, the chairman, Hon. Wisdom Kalu Okechukwu, expressed gratitude to members of the association for the confidence reposed in the new executives.
He pledged that the leadership would work tirelessly to strengthen unity within the disability community and champion policies that promote inclusion, dignity, and opportunities for persons with disabilities across Abia State.
According to him, the association will focus on engaging government institutions, civil society organisations, and development partners to ensure that disability issues receive the attention they deserve.
Call for Partnership and Collaboration
The leadership of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities in Abia State also called on stakeholders, development organisations, and members of the public to collaborate with the association in building a more inclusive society.
They emphasised that achieving meaningful inclusion requires collective efforts from government, private sector institutions, civil society organisations, and community leaders.
“We appeal for partnership and collaboration towards making Abia State a progressive and more inclusive state where no one is left behind,” the association said in a statement.
Hope for the Disability Community
The emergence of the new leadership has been welcomed by members of the disability community in the state, who believe that the executives will help amplify their voices and address long-standing challenges such as accessibility barriers, unemployment, discrimination, and lack of inclusive public services.
Observers say the new leadership has a unique opportunity to deepen advocacy for disability rights, strengthen engagement with government institutions, and ensure that the aspirations of persons with disabilities in Abia State are fully represented.
With a fresh mandate and renewed commitment, the new executives of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities Abia State Chapter are expected to begin implementing programmes and initiatives aimed at improving the welfare, participation, and socio-economic empowerment of persons with disabilities over the next four years.
