Barr Lukman Salami Bolarinwa has emerged as the Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), after an election organized by the association’s electoral committee.
The election which held on Saturday, February 17, 2024, also saw Yemisi Rachael Isado and Egwu Sylvanus Ikechukwu emerge as Vice Chairman 1 and 2 respectively.
The new executives will be in office from 2024 to 2027.
In his acceptance message, Barr Bolarinwa appreciated all the delegates who voted for him and assured that together with other excos, he will do his best to protect the interests of all PWDs in the state.
Salami buttressed that “JONAPWD shall work hand in hand with cluster heads, stakeholders in the disability communities and the Government to achieve the wellbeing of persons with disability in Lagos State.
“JONAPWD shall make the employment of qualified graduates with disabilities, by government and established private organizations, a top priority. Equally and also paramount is the true empowerment of persons with disabilities who shall incorporate adequate training and patronage.
“The education, health and societal inclusion of persons with disability shall be given the same attention. With you, for us, by us, with us and in us we shall get to the promised land which is equity and equal opportunities,” he added.
Salami was the Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Association of the Blind, prior to his emergence as the JONAPWD chair.
Congratulating the new executives and speaking about the achievements of JONAPWD Lagos under his administration, the immediate past Chairman, Dr. Adebukola Adebayo explained that his administration was able to achieve four main objectives which are: “strengthen the institutional capacity of JONAPWD-Lagos, make the governance of JONAPWD-Lagos more participatory and inclusive, expand JONAPWD-Lagos to all 57 LGAs and LCDAs respectively, and drive disability rights advocacy through stakeholders collaboration and partnerships.”
He charged the newly elected executives to remain committed to promoting the rights and well being of PWDs in the state.
Other elected officials include Agbabiaka Yusuf Temitope, Secretary General; Akinremi Sulaimon Aderemi, Assistant Secretary-General; Odumosu Olawale Riliwan, Public Relations Officer; Taibat Adeniji, Treasurer; and Luji Temitope Yemi, Social Welfare.
Others are; Adebayo Isiaka Afolabi, Planning & Organizing Secretary; Onifade Fatai Adisa, Sport Secretary; Adudu Rose Uche, Chief Whip; Gbadamosi Adeniyi Joseph, Zonal Coordinator (Lagos Island); Adejuyigbe Daniels Abayomi, Zonal Coordinator (Ikorodu); Shokunbi Kayode, Zonal Coordinator (Ikeja); and Raimi Olatunde Jelili, Zonal Coordinator (Badagry).