Aiyedatiwa assures persons with albinism of equal opportunities

— Distributes sunscreen, sunblocks, cash grants

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

AKURE — Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has assured persons living with albinism in the state of equal opportunities, saying his administration will not discriminate against them and will ensure their inclusion in government programmes.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, who represented the governor, gave the assurance during the 2026 International Albinism Awareness Day celebration in Akure.

The event was organised by the ministry in collaboration with the Ondo State Agency for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities.

As part of the programme, 360 tubes of sunscreen, 360 sunblocks and cash assistance were distributed to persons living with albinism to help protect them from skin-related complications.

Osamaye said the administration had taken deliberate steps to end discrimination against persons with disabilities and ensure their participation in government programmes.

“We ensure that we communicate with their leadership and they are given the necessary slots.

“We have decided to choose today as a day to bring together persons with disabilities to create awareness, identify the challenges they face and find solutions that government, stakeholders, individuals and even parents can adopt to ensure that every form of discrimination against them is stopped,” she said.

The theme of this year’s celebration is: “Proudly My Skin: Celebrating All Skin Tones.”

Osamaye described albinism as an inherited genetic condition and not an infectious disease or a curse, urging members of the public to treat persons living with the condition with love, respect and dignity.

“Persons with albinism are known for their unique skin colours. They are easily recognisable.

“But what they have is not by choice. It is hereditary; it is medical. Some of them were born like that. So we should not discriminate against them,” she said.

The commissioner noted that persons with albinism were often underrated and wrongly perceived as incapable, particularly in education and the workplace.

She stressed that they were valuable members of society who deserved equal opportunities, respect and support, while emphasising the importance of early detection in preventing skin cancer.

Osamaye also encouraged persons living with albinism to remain confident and resilient despite societal challenges.

“Don’t look down on yourself, speak up for yourself, put in more effort, and you can achieve whatever you set for yourself,” she said.

The Chairman of the Association of Persons with Albinism in Ondo State, Ayodele Fagorola, commended the governor for his efforts to remove barriers confronting persons living with albinism.

He, however, lamented the continued discrimination and social exclusion faced by the group.

Fagorola identified “acceptability and integration” as major challenges facing persons with albinism in Nigeria and called on state governments to implement deliberate and sustained inclusive policies and programmes.

“Continued stigma and discrimination undermine the sociopolitical and economic contributions persons with albinism make to their communities and the country,” he said.

The Chairman of the State Agency for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, Mrs Folashade Arise, commended the state government for its commitment to building an inclusive society.

Arise also praised Governor Aiyedatiwa and the First Lady, Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, for their continued support for persons with disabilities, describing the First Lady as a strong advocate for inclusion.

She also commended officials of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and the State Agency for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities for their contributions to the success of the programme.

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