The Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN) has reiterated the call for better life for persons with albinism in the country.
AAN President, Mrs Bisi Bamishe.made the call at the association’s commemoration of lnternational Day for Disabilities held at the weekend in Lagos.
“We cry out against stigmatisation, marginalisation and discrimination. We are being aligned and denied rights to live normal life. Children at school are treated with no consideration for their disability while adults are denied access to jobs, public facilities among others”, she said.
Bamishe added, “Our members need to have adequate medical care. Many are dying of skin cancer due to lack of preventive measures and prompt treatment for those suffering from skin cancer. We therefore, solicit for donation of sunblock lotion, eye glasses, hats and UV protection umbrellas. Local production of sunlotion will be a greater advantage”.
The theme of this year’s International Day is “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world“.
She stated that, “Our choice of today’s gathering is to create awareness, as we aim to let the voice of persons with albinism be heard about our aspirations, needs and make recommendations to the government for an inclusive environment”.
According to her, in the past years, persons with albinism have made active effort to call the attention of government to the need for implementation of disability law. which would surely ameliorate their hardship and suffering.
She thanked sponsor of the event, Sightsavers for promoting opportunities for personal with albinism participate in all spheres of life. “We say a big thank you”, shs said.
Bamishe appealed for more support from development partners and the international community, to help make the rights of persons with albinism a reality.
Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN) is the umbrella body of persons with albinism (PWAs) in Nigeria. With the vision to attain a fair, secure and socially inclusive society that empowers members and provides unfettered access to opportunities for self fulfillment and dignity of human life, its mission is to unite and protect the rights and interest of persons with albinism against discrimination and marginalisation in the society
National officers of the association are Mrs Bisi Bamishe (president), Hajia Mariam Ishaka (vice president), Adeyi Daniel (general secretary), Olusegun Abinbola (assistant general secretary) and Elizabeth Omotola (treasurer). Others are Abel Mvandega (financial secretary), Nonye Ugbaugwu (Welfare Officer) and .Ismaila Salisu (Public Relations Officer).
