TQM Report,
The founder and CEO of Albino Foundation, the President of Albinism Association of Nigeria and the Convener of Disability Inclusion, Mr. Jake Epelle has been honoured with Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and Rule of Law 2021 to become the third Nigeria to honoured with the prestigious prize and among the 15 personalities across the world to be honoured.
In a press statement sent to TQM signed by Afam Kasim, head of Communication, The Albino Foundation, he said that since December 2016, France and Germany in commomeration of the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, pay tribute to persons who courageously defend human rights all over the world. Through these human rights defenders, both countries honour all human rights advocates who work every day to ensure that the declaration does not remain an empty slogan.
The award is presented annually by the France and German Embassies to people who distinguished themselves in promoting human rights across the world
Mr. Jake Epelle is the third Nigerian to win the award which is presented annually on the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The award was presented to Epelle on Tuesday in Abuja at a ceremony held at the French embassy.
Amb. Emmanuelle Blatmann, France Ambassador to Nigeria, said Epelle was chosen for his unwavering commitment to the promotion of human rights.
Afam Kasim also said that Mr. Jake Epelle recognition is as result of combating widespread of discrimination and stigmatization and exclusion faced by persons with disabilities through The Albino Foundation, an organization founded in 2006. Mr. Jake Epelle has become a strong.advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities and a driving force for improving their inclusion and integration in the civic, social, political and economic affairs.
Blatmann said it was to pay tribute to all those who, “often risk their freedom and their lives” to ensure respect for human rights.
“At a time when these rights are increasingly threatened and undermined, the battle they wage is essential for safeguarding the fundamental freedoms inherent in democracy.
“Every year, the Franco-German prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law is awarded to 15 figures from different countries throughout the world who stand out because of their actions on the ground.
“This is actually the third in the history of the prize that a Nigerian candidate is selected.
“This shows the exceptional vitality of the women and men in the country, who sometimes devote with passion, their entire lives to a cause, braving all the dangers to which they are sometimes exposed.’’
Blatmann said Mr. Jake Epelle is one of the extraordinary men, starting from nothing to change the mentalities and fight for those whose rights were often flouted.
She said that Mr. Jake Epelle tackled challenges of people with albinism by raising awareness and mobilising on five key issues of social impact, discrimination, lack of health care for skin cancer and visual impairment.
He also tackled issues of lack of quality education, need for economic empowerment, fomulation of policies and sponsorship of bills among others.
German Ambassador to Nigeria, Birgitt Ory said that the prize was meant to encourage, commend and honour people.
“It is also to show that we are very conscious of the work human rights organisations do in Nigeria.
“We are proud of our host country and we are very happy that so many representatives of civil society are here today.
“We recognise the quite difficult and challenging work that Jake Epelle does for the Albino, it is not easy, there are probably days he was disappointed, but he was probably there to help people.
“We are here to put the spotlight on his work, we are really honoured and it is about time the Nigerian laureate earns this award.
“It is one of the best things we do with the German and French cooperation,’’ she said.
Responding, Mr. Jake Epelle appreciated the two embassies for honouring him, and dedicated the award to the community of persons with disabilities, his wife and son, as well as Nigeria.
He said that the award meant a lot in terms of recognising the people whose rights should be protected and the need for more work for the marginalized, the downtrodden and voiceless.
“I give kudos to the media who have brought me where I am today; and it means everything, it means a lot to my country and I promise there will be much more force now on human rights.
“This is because it very important to us. In our organisation, we do have a project called albinism right, specifically for persons with albinism where we teach them about their rights, promote their rights and prosecute those who violate their rights”.
Afam states that human rights are universal rights, that means that they apply to everyone, from birth, unconditionally and equally, wherever they are in the world. France and Germany therefore decided to establish an annual International Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law. The prizewinners will receive a certificate and a medal designed by Anna Martha Napp. The medal symbolizes their active commitments the defense of human rights and sends a clear message of appreciation.
