The Abia chapter of the Albinism Association of Nigeria has made a heartfelt appeal to the state government for assistance in addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals with albinism.
The appeal was made during a courtesy visit on Sunday to David Anyaele, the special assistant to the Abia governor on persons with disabilities. Mr. Anyaele, who is also the founder of the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), welcomed the association’s delegation.
Following the visit, the association’s chairman, Enyinaya Nwosu, issued a communique outlining the group’s requests. “The government should provide glasses for those in schools. They need opportunities and free education,” Mr. Anyaele conveyed on behalf of the association.
Ijeoma Okonkwo, the group’s secretary, highlighted the educational challenges faced by persons with albinism. “Many persons with albinism shy away from going to school due to their condition,” she explained. Okonkwo emphasized that individuals with albinism should be seated at the front of the classroom to see the board clearly and urged the government to provide visual aids for subjects such as mathematics and sciences.
“It is important to note that it takes a person with albinism six seconds to see what is written. They need extra time. The education board should prioritize this in JAMB, WAEC, and regular classroom work,” Okonkwo added. She also advocated for long-sleeved uniforms and face caps to protect students with albinism from the harmful effects of sun rays.
Nnukwu Daniel, the group’s spokesman, expressed disappointment that persons with albinism are rarely seen participating in debates and quizzes. He called for teachers to be sensitized against discrimination and for albinos to be exempted from manual labor in schools due to their skin’s sensitivity to sunlight.
Chukwumechefulam Ebogu, the group’s zonal coordinator, made a passionate plea to Mr. Anyaele to use his position and the CCD platform to raise awareness in schools about the needs of people with albinism.
Addressing healthcare concerns, Blessing Mbagwu, the women’s leader of the group, advocated for regular, free skin check-ups for people with albinism. She also stressed the importance of sensitizing parents about the hazards faced by persons with albinism. “Some parents back their albino babies while hawking, thereby exposing them to the harmful effects of sun rays,” she noted.
In response, Mr. Anyaele assured the association of the government’s support. He stated that Governor Alex Otti is deeply concerned about the well-being of persons with albinism and is committed to integrating and including them in government programs and activities.
Mr. Anyaele lamented the widespread stigmatization and discrimination against persons with albinism, noting that many Africans perceive albinism as a curse or a sign of bad luck, which leads to social exclusion.
