The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Ekiti State chapter, has declared support for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and endorsed him for a second term.
The endorsement ceremony took place at Lady Jibowu’s Hall, Governor’s Office, and was attended by members from the Blind, Deaf, Physically Challenged, and Albinism clusters of the association.
The Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Hon. Adetoun Agboola, in her welcome address, commended JONAPWD for recognizing Governor Oyebanji’s special interest in the PWD community. She assured that the Governor would continue to prioritize the needs and welfare of people with disabilities in the state. She expressed further that the 2025 work plan, designed in collaboration with relevant PWD stakeholders, aligns with the Governor’s inclusion agenda and will address more of their needs and demands. She urged members of the association to remain united in their support for Governor Oyebanji and resist being exploited by any individual for political gain.
Hon. Toyin Ojo, Chairman of Ado Central LCDA, expressed his appreciation for Governor Oyebanji’s commitment to the PWD community and promised continued support for the inclusion drive of Governor BAO.
The heads of the four clusters of the association – Mr. Olatunbosun (Blind Cluster), Mr. Isaac Williams (Deaf Cluster), Mr. Bakinde Olaosebikan (Physically Challenged Cluster), and Mr. Oniya Johnson (Albinism Cluster) – expressed their gratitude to Governor Oyebanji for his PWD oriented policies, which include employment of PWD members into the Ekiti State civil service, appointment of PWD members to political positions, providing free health services, and distributing palliatives to their members.
In response, Governor Oyebanji, represented by the Special Adviser on Political Matters, Chief ‘Jide Awe, appreciated the association’s recognition of the state government’s efforts. He urged them to embrace unity and not allow themselves to be used against their benefactor. He assured that his administration would continue to prioritize their welfare and ensure total inclusion and accessibility for all.
The event ended with closing remarks from Alhaji Sulaiman Fattah, who expressed delight in the PWD community’s thoughtfulness in rallying support for the Governor. He assured that Governor Oyebanji would continue to act in the best interest of Persons with Disabilities in the state.
Also in attendance at the event were: Hon. Ayo Ojo, Technical Advisor on Youth Inclusion; Mrs. Funmilayo Fatoba, SSA Rehabilitation and Mental Health; Pst. Akinola Abimbola, SSA Governor’s Office; Hon. Gbenga Obanise, SA Disability Affairs; and representatives from the Office of Disability Affairs, Mr. Akinlabi and Mr. Toye Ojo.
