Ann Ojugu, the newly reelected chairperson of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Edo, has pledged to push for the establishment of a disability commission in the state.

Ms Ojugu, who won a second four-year term on Saturday in Benin, said the commission would provide institutional support for persons with disabilities and attract funding from local and international organisations.

“My plan is to intensify efforts to ensure that before the next four years, we get the commission working in the state.

“This commission is very important because it will help drive policies and attract foreign donors,” he said.

The keenly contested election saw Ms Ojugu secure 105 votes to defeat her challenger, Emmanuel Omoike, who polled six votes.

Victor Imahingbe, chairman of the electoral committee, also announced Kingsley Osadolor as vice chairman.

Mr Osadolor defeated Mathew Akabue and Justice Odigie with 57 votes to 34 and 18, respectively.

Speaking with journalists after her swearing-in, Ms Ojugu reaffirmed her commitment to push for the rights and welfare of PWDs in Edo.

Ms Ojugu said that during her first tenure, she created job opportunities for PWDs and implemented disability-friendly infrastructure in government buildings.

She pointed to the new secretariat building as a testament to her achievements.

“You see that many of us got jobs during that period, and we are hoping that even more will come in this new term,” she said.

She urged the government and society to recognise that disability does not define an individual’s potential.

“The government needs to be sensitised. We need to make sure that even if a person has a disability, that disability does not define who they are. It is society that defines who we are,” she asserted.

Ms Ojugu thanked JONAPWD members for their trust and pledged to work tirelessly toward a more inclusive and supportive environment for persons with disabilities in Edo.

(NAN)