UMUAHIA, Abia State — The Abia State Commission for the Welfare of Disabled Persons has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights, dignity and wellbeing of persons with albinism, as the Albinism Association of Nigeria, Abia State Chapter, intensified its campaign against discrimination and albinism-related health challenges.
Members of the association made the commitment call during an awareness walk to the Abia State Government House, Umuahia, as part of activities marking the 2026 International Albinism Awareness Day.
Receiving the group on behalf of the state government, Chairman of the Commission, Dr. David Anyaele, said the administration of Governor Alex Otti remained committed to ensuring that persons with disabilities were not excluded from government programmes, opportunities and social protection initiatives.
Dr. Anyaele said the state’s disability inclusion approach was anchored on respect for human dignity and the recognition of persons with disabilities as equal members of society.
“The Commission is making sure that we go around to create awareness,” he said.
The Commission Chairman explained that the agency had continued to take disability awareness and advocacy beyond its office by engaging communities and relevant stakeholders on the rights, needs and wellbeing of persons with disabilities.
Commission Highlights Support for Persons with Albinism
Dr. Anyaele also highlighted interventions provided to persons with albinism, particularly the distribution of sunscreen to help protect them from health complications associated with prolonged exposure to sunlight.
He assured the Albinism Community that the Commission would continue to support initiatives aimed at improving their health, safety, inclusion and overall wellbeing.
He further commended the support being provided by the wife of the Governor and First Lady of Abia State, Lady Priscilla C. Otti, to persons with albinism in the state.
According to the Commission, the First Lady recently hosted persons with albinism for the second time in 2026, where participants received information on the prevention and management of albinism.
The participants, the Commission said, also received food items, medical supplies and financial assistance.
Albinism Association Launches Cancer Trust Fund
Earlier, Chairman of the Albinism Association of Nigeria, Abia State Chapter, Hon. Enyinnaya Nwosu, said the awareness walk was also an opportunity to formally invite the Disability Commission and other stakeholders to the launch of the association’s Cancer Trust Fund.
Nwosu explained that the initiative was established to strengthen awareness and sensitisation efforts, particularly within communities, while drawing greater attention to the risk of skin cancer among persons with albinism.
He said the association planned to take its sensitisation campaign to schools and communities to educate parents, teachers and members of the public about albinism, appropriate health protection measures and ways of preventing complications associated with the condition.
The association chairman expressed appreciation to the Abia State Disability Commission for its continued support and attention to issues affecting persons with albinism.
The awareness walk and stakeholder engagement formed part of activities marking the 2026 International Albinism Awareness Day, with stakeholders using the occasion to call for stronger health protection, public awareness, inclusion and an end to discrimination against persons with albinism.
