By Kelvin Ololo
In commemoration of the 2025 International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD), Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN) Cross River State chapter, has called for equal right, fair treatment and collective support from the government, saying “albinism is not a crime but it is divine.”
The Association made the plea while celebrating this year’s awareness Day with the theme: Demanding our rights, protect our skin, and preserve our lives.
The event was held at the Cross River State Ministry of Social Welfare and Community Development, Calabar.
Speaking on the theme, the State Chairman of the Association Pastor Bassey Mbang who appreciated Governor Bassey Otu for making the day possible for the association to celebrate the day for the first time since inception of 2006.
“Albinism is a rare genetically inherited condition affecting people across all the continents including Cross River State and it should not be seen as a curse or taboos that attract ill treatment by some members of the society.”
He narrated that the major challenges facing persons with albinism are severe visual impairment, vulnerability to ultraviolet rays, increased skin cancer and social isolation. Calling on government at all levels, stakeholder, NGos and well meaning individuals to urgently consider interventions focusing on donating and subsidizing sunscreen lotion, access to medical health screening and educational awareness to mitigate stigma especially in schools.
Others who expressed their plights to CrossRiverWatch include Mrs. Agbor Getrude, Mr. Alozie Dandy, Samuel Okokon and Agom Paul, who said “government should create job opportunities for people with albinism in the state as most of them suffer constant discrimination by employers of labor owing to their vision while albino students are been denied opportunity to learn with the pattern of dress that is suitable for their skin by most proprietor of schools.”
Responding to their appeals, the Commissioner, Ministry of Social Welfare and Community Development Arc. Bishop Margaret Ene-Ita, charged them to prioritize their health and observe rules in staying healthy.
She assured them of the government’s support and commitment to carry the association and people living with disabilities along, as his administration is “people centered”.
She promised to communicate their messages to the state government as she was given an assignment by the Governor to collect data from the event.
There were medical pep talks and seminars focusing on health and also goodwill messages delivered by various speakers who graced the occasion.
The awareness Day was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Philomena Nyam, the Director, Evang. Stephen Okimba, the state chairman Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) Mr. Prince Ekpenyong and the host of others.
The highlight of the event was the distribution of umbrellas and sunscreen lotion by the Commissioner to participants on behalf of the Governor.
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