Stakeholders on Monday demanded greater commitments toward protecting the rights of people with Albinism.
They made the demand at a one day roundtable held at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Yenagoa, Bayelsa.
The event brought together media representatives, government officials, civil society organizations, and disability advocates to discuss advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with albinism in Nigeria.
Organized by the Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN) and funded by the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), the event focused on translating Nigeria’s commitments from the Global Disability Summit (GDS) 2025 into concrete actions.
The roundtable’s theme: From Commitment to Action: Implementing the Global Disability Summit 2025 Pledges for Persons with Albinism and Other Marginalized Groups in Nigeria,served as a rallying point for stakeholders to address persistent challenges faced by persons with albinism.
The challenges include health risks like skin cancer and visual impairment, stigmatization, ritual attacks, and discrimination.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the event, participants emphasized the critical role of the media in shaping public perception and holding institutions accountable.
Journalists and media houses were urged to maintain consistent, sensitive reporting that highlights the lived experiences of persons with albinism, dispels myths, and promotes social inclusion.
Government officials in attendance were called upon to translate policy into practice.
The communiqué demands stronger enforcement of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, meaningful involvement of persons with albinism in decision-making processes, and prioritized access to health care services, especially skin cancer screening and visual aid support, as well as inclusive education measures.
The roundtable also highlighted the urgent need for enhanced protection against ritual killings and violence targeting persons with albinism.
Security agencies and community leaders were urged to be better sensitized and empowered to confront these threats decisively.
The communiqué also paid emphasis on the ongoing collaboration between government agencies, Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), media, and civil society as vital to monitoring progress on Nigeria’s disability inclusion pledges.
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A monitoring and accountability framework is to be developed alongside a Media Action Plan led by the AAN to sustain momentum post-summit.
Religious and traditional leaders were identified as important allies in grassroots education efforts aimed at dismantling harmful cultural misconceptions and myths surrounding albinism.
The participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to working collaboratively to ensure the GDS 2025 promises translate into measurable improvements in the lives of persons with albinism throughout Nigeria.
The event was lauded for its coordination by the Albinism Association of Nigeria, with thanks extended to the Bayelsa State Government for hosting and the Disability Rights Fund for its financial support.
Signatories to the communiqué included: Mrs. Joy Ogbogene, Chairperson, AAN, Bayelsa State Chapter , Dr. (Mrs.) Bisi Bamishe, Executive Director, Albinism Association of Nigeria , Mr. Usman Umoru, Representative, JONAPWD, Dr. Aladeh Dieprebi Agnes, Consultant Dermatologist/Venerologist, Bayelsa State
Others are Mrs. Nonye Oduagwu, Chairperson, AAN Enugu State Chapter amongst numerous media representatives, civil society organizations, OPDs, and government agencies
