The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, has assured persons with disabilities (PWDs) of the Ministry’s continued support, urging members of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) to remain united and work collaboratively with the state government to advance their welfare.
Princess Ibanga gave the assurance on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, while addressing members of the JONAPWD Caretaker Committee at the Ministry’s waiting hall in Uyo.
The Commissioner commended the association for its commitment and support for the government, noting that the administration of Governor Umo Eno had demonstrated concern for persons with disabilities even before the establishment of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
She explained that the creation of the Ministry, with persons with disabilities domiciled under its mandate, further demonstrated the government’s commitment to addressing their needs and promoting their inclusion in humanitarian interventions.
Drawing from her experience as a former Local Government Chairman, Princess Ibanga said her engagements with PWDs had deepened her understanding of their challenges and reinforced the need to provide them with support, opportunities and a sense of belonging.
She recalled the satisfaction she derived from organising persons with disabilities at the local government level, noting that their happiness and inclusion reinforced her passion for humanitarian service.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to work with JONAPWD and other relevant stakeholders to improve the welfare of persons with disabilities, assuring the association that its concerns would receive attention within the Ministry’s capacity.
She urged members to maintain unity, discipline and cooperation, cautioning against internal disagreements and distractions that could undermine their collective progress.
Princess Ibanga also encouraged the association to strengthen its leadership structure and coordination across local government areas.
She recommended that Local Government Chairmen consider appointing aides on disability affairs to strengthen communication, enhance coordination and ensure that the needs of PWDs receive adequate attention.
The Commissioner urged members to sustain their engagement with the government and support constructive initiatives to improve their welfare, assuring them of her commitment to ensuring that PWDs continued to benefit from relevant government interventions.
She further called on them to mobilise their members and encourage eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), noting that possession of the cards was necessary to participate in the electoral process and demonstrate support for the government.
The Chairman of the JONAPWD Caretaker Committee, Mr Nsikak Udo, appreciated the Ministry for maintaining a cordial relationship with disability clusters across the state. He noted that its interventions, including food palliatives for indigent persons with disabilities (PWDs), wheelchairs and other mobility aids, had provided hope and succour to members, demonstrating the Governor Umo Eno-led administration’s commitment to inclusiveness.
He explained that the caretaker committee was recently inaugurated to address leadership challenges and reposition JONAPWD in Akwa Ibom State, further appealing for the Ministry’s support to organise a state congress to enlighten members, correct misinformation and strengthen their alignment with the supervisory Ministry and the ARISE Agenda.
Udo also sought assistance for delegates to attend the association’s National convention in Kaduna and support for the annual international celebrations of the various disability clusters, which he said inspire members and encourage their productivity.
He reaffirmed the commitment of cluster heads and members across the 31 local government areas to supporting Governor Umo Eno and pledged their votes in the forthcoming elections.
In his vote of thanks, the Personal Assistant to the Governor on PWDs, Comrade Ubong Ikpe, commended the Ministry’s leadership for its openness, patience and continued support for persons with disabilities. He also appreciated the cluster heads for their cooperation with the association and reaffirmed the disability community’s support for the Governor and all APC candidates come 2027