Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, JONAPWD, has called for the inclusion of Persons With Disabilities, PWDs, in political party structures and candidature process, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
National President of the association, Mr Abdulllahi Usman, who stated this on Thursday in Abuja, acknowledged the progress so far made in expanding electoral access across the country.
Usman said that the efforts being made by government and relevant stakeholders had reflected growing recognition of the political rights of PWDs.
He, however, highlighted significant gaps that should be addressed, as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
“There is need for training and capacity-building of electoral staff on disability inclusion, accessible voter education, voter registration and continuous voter participation.
“There is need for inclusion of PWDs in political party structures and candidature processes, disability-responsive campaign practices and accessible political communication.
“There is need to address political finance barriers affecting aspirants and candidates with disabilities, physical, communication and attitudinal accessibility of polling units on election day”, he said.
The JONAPWD national president also called for protection of voting secrecy, dignity and independence for all voters with disabilities, adding that post-electoral participation, representation and redress mechanisms should also be guaranteed.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the association to engaging INEC, political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, CSOs, and development partners for fully-inclusive elections.
On the new tax laws, Usman called for zero Value Added Tax ,VAT, on all assistive devices, mobility aids and adaptive technologies for PWDs.
He also advocated for tax exemptions or significant reductions on medical drugs and consumables associated with disability-related conditions.
Usman recommended corporate tax incentives for employers who intentionally recruit, retain and accommodate PWDs as well as removal of import duties on assistive technologies, rehabilitation equipment and accessibility-related hardware.
The JONAPWD president, however, threatened legal actions against individuals and groups using the name, logo, insignia or any other related branding of the association without approval.
According to him, unauthorised use of JONAPWD’s branding constitutes a violation of intellectual property and organisational governance provisions, and may attract appropriate legal actions.
“This measure is aimed at safeguarding institutional integrity, preventing misrepresentation, ensuring accountability and protecting the credibility of the disability movement in Nigeria”,he said.
Abiodun Approves Sagamu–Ode, Ajaka, Ogijo Roads For Construction
…Says infrastructure remains engine of development
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved the construction of major road projects in Sagamu Local Government Area, including the Sagamu–Ode Road, Fadebo Street Road, Ajaka Road, and the Likosi–Ogijo Road, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to infrastructure as a catalyst for socio-economic development.
The Governor disclosed this yesterday while commissioning the newly completed Sagamu–Ayepe Road, describing road infrastructure as a critical driver of economic activities, connectivity, and overall development.
Governor Abiodun said his administration would continue to invest heavily in the construction and rehabilitation of roads across the state, despite the huge backlog of neglected infrastructure inherited from previous administrations.
“Road infrastructure is a major economic enabler. This particular road connects Sagamu to Odogbolu and several densely populated communities. It is an extremely important economic corridor, and that is why we have prioritised it”, the governor said.
He lamented that many roads across Ogun State had suffered years of neglect, noting that while his administration has made significant interventions, several others still require urgent attention.
Beyond road infrastructure, Governor Abiodun said his government has recorded notable interventions in critical sectors such as health, education, housing, and sports, stressing that the administration remains focused on delivering dividends of democracy to the people.
“We will not be distracted by rabble-rousers. Our focus remains governance and improving the quality of life of our people”, he added.
Earlier, the Chairman of Sagamu Local Government Area, Hon. Jubril Odulate, said the Ayepe Road, which links Sagamu with neighbouring local government areas, had been abandoned for years and left in a deplorable condition before the intervention of the state government.
He noted that the reconstruction of the road aligns with the state government’s ISEYA development agenda, adding that the local government had complemented the effort through the construction of the Awokoya Road.
Oba Musliu Soile, who represented the Akarigbo of Remoland, described the road project as a major relief to residents, noting that it would significantly ease hardship and boost commercial activities within the axis.
Also speaking, the National President of the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle, Repairer and Riders Association, ACOMORAN, Alhaji Shamseeden Apelogun, commended the state government, saying the improved road network would reduce hardship for riders, stimulate economic activities, and attract more investors to the community.
