Lagos, September 17, 2024 – In a critical step towards improving the lives of persons with albinism in Nigeria, the Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN) held a one-day interactive meeting with media professionals in Lagos. The gathering, held at Elomaz Hotel, Maryland, brought together key players from various sectors, including civil society organizations, healthcare professionals, advocates, and stakeholders. The event focused on promoting greater awareness, tackling misconceptions, and fostering stronger advocacy for the implementation of the National Albinism Policy, which has yet to see meaningful progress since its inception in 2019.
Media’s Role in Changing Perceptions and Addressing Challenges
During the session, the media’s role in shaping public opinion and ensuring the welfare of persons with albinism was a major focus. The National Albinism Policy was created as a framework to address the unique challenges faced by persons with albinism in Nigeria. However, the failure to implement this policy has left many persons with albinism (PWAs) vulnerable to societal neglect, discrimination, and life-threatening health conditions like skin cancer.
The meeting, which was supported by the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), provided a platform for strategic dialogue aimed at forging closer partnerships between media outlets and the albinism advocacy community. It emphasized the need for sustained, accurate reporting on albinism and highlighted how the media can serve as a powerful tool in combatting harmful stereotypes and promoting the full implementation of the National Albinism Policy.
Key Objectives
The one-day event aimed to:
- Highlight the lack of implementation of the National Policy on Albinism in Nigeria.
- Encourage the media to play a more active role in addressing the stigma and challenges faced by persons with albinism.
- Promote accurate and respectful representation of persons with albinism in the media.
- Discuss effective strategies for advocacy and public sensitization on the rights of persons with albinism.
- Build partnerships between the media and AAN for continued education and awareness.
A Call to Action: The National Albinism Policy
In her opening remarks, Mr. Omotolani Ojuri, Chairman of AAN’s Lagos Chapter, welcomed participants and acknowledged the media’s unique ability to influence public discourse. He thanked the Disability Rights Fund for its continuous support, which has been instrumental in driving the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities, particularly those with albinism. Mr. Ojuri stressed the importance of accurate media portrayals in reshaping societal views and working towards an inclusive Nigeria where persons with albinism can thrive.
“We believe that by working together with the media, we can create a more inclusive and supportive society for all individuals with albinism,” said Ojuri. “Today presents a crucial opportunity to build a united front to tackle misinformation, discrimination, and stigmatization faced by persons with albinism in Nigeria.”
The National Albinism Policy: A Dormant Promise
Executive Director and President of AAN, Mrs. Bisi Bamishe, delivered the keynote address, in which she lamented the delayed implementation of the National Albinism Policy. The policy, which was drafted in 2019 and designed to be completed by the end of 2024, has remained largely ignored by government bodies. Bamishe stressed that persons with albinism continue to face significant challenges, including societal discrimination, health issues like skin cancer, and a lack of access to educational resources tailored to their unique needs.
“The National Policy on Albinism is a comprehensive framework designed to address the challenges faced by persons with albinism in Nigeria. It aims to promote social inclusion, economic empowerment, and access to education and healthcare for individuals with albinism,” said Bamishe. “Unfortunately, despite being in place, the policy has not seen the light of day, leaving persons with albinism to suffer without the protections and provisions promised by this policy.”
Media as Advocates: Changing the Narrative
Mrs. Bamishe highlighted the media’s critical role in combating myths and stigmas that have long surrounded persons with albinism in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas. She urged media professionals to take up the responsibility of amplifying the issues faced by PWAs, including the lack of proper healthcare and widespread discrimination. She emphasized the need for sustained reporting on the implementation of the National Albinism Policy and encouraged the media to drive public discourse on the necessity of its enforcement.
“Since the policy has not been implemented as intended, persons with albinism are suffering, and it seems there is no hope. The media can play a crucial role in raising awareness and holding government bodies accountable for ensuring the policy’s full implementation,” she stated.
An Engaging Dialogue: Participants Speak Up
The interactive session allowed participants to share ideas, experiences, and solutions for the challenges faced by the albinism community. Media professionals, civil society groups, and healthcare practitioners expressed their commitment to using their platforms to raise awareness and foster inclusivity. Several participants suggested launching media campaigns, creating documentaries, and engaging policymakers through media coverage to ensure the protection of persons with albinism.
Key suggestions from the interactive sessions included:
- Strengthening media campaigns to educate the public about albinism and debunk harmful myths.
- Partnering with media houses to run targeted awareness programs and produce investigative documentaries on the lives of persons with albinism.
- Leveraging social media platforms for advocacy, using hashtags and visual content to reach younger audiences.
- Encouraging policymakers to engage with the media and public in real-time discussions on albinism-related issues.
Media’s Diverse Role: Local, Traditional, and New Media
In her keynote address, Mrs. Bamishe stressed the different roles local, traditional, and new media can play in supporting albinism advocacy. Local media, with its deep roots in communities, can help bridge the gap between national policy and grassroots activism, engaging rural audiences who may hold harmful superstitions about albinism. Traditional media outlets like radio, TV, and print can reach broader audiences, creating space for public discourse through investigative journalism, live interviews, and sensitization campaigns.
New media platforms such as social media, blogs, and podcasts are particularly powerful in today’s digital age. Bamishe highlighted the need for more inclusive storytelling on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, where young people can learn about the rights of persons with albinism and contribute to spreading positive narratives.
Key Resolutions from the Meeting
The meeting concluded with a set of resolutions aimed at advancing the cause of persons with albinism:
- Media involvement: Media organizations were called upon to spotlight the National Albinism Policy and advocate for its full implementation before its expiration in 2024.
- Ethical reporting: Media houses were encouraged to adopt ethical standards in their coverage of albinism, ensuring that stories are accurate, respectful, and non-sensationalized.
- Continuous collaboration: The Albinism Association of Nigeria will continue to collaborate with media organizations to drive sustained awareness and advocacy efforts.
Moving Forward: A Commitment to Change
The event closed with a strong call to action. The media, as both a mirror and a magnifying glass for society, must continue to raise awareness and drive advocacy for persons with albinism. With its vast reach and influence, the media can help ensure that the National Albinism Policy is not just words on paper, but a lived reality that guarantees protection, dignity, and inclusion for all persons with albinism in Nigeria.
“We cannot afford to stay silent when so much is at stake,” concluded Bamishe. “Together, we have the power to create lasting change for the albinism community.”
