By: Ruth Adebayo, Oluwatobi Aroyehun and Lawrence Okedare
The Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN), Kwara State Chapter, has called on the government to establish a disability commission as stakeholders gathered on Wednesday at the Registry Hall of the Ministry of Social Development to commemorate the 2026 International Albinism Awareness Day.
The call formed the centerpiece of the association’s message during an event themed “Proudly in My Skin: Celebrating All Skin Tones,” which brought together government representatives, disability rights advocates, security agencies, and members of the albinism community to promote awareness and challenge persistent discrimination.
Abdulsalam Kehinde Hussein, chairman of the association’s Kwara State chapter, said a dedicated disability commission would provide representation and support for all disability clusters, ensuring that no group is left behind in policy formulation and implementation.
“Albinism is a condition, not a disease, and certainly not a limitation to human potential,” Hussein said.
“Persons with albinism have the same dreams, talents, initiatives, and capacity to contribute meaningfully to society.”
Hussein acknowledged the continued support from government and various partner organizations working towards inclusion and equal opportunity.
However, he stressed that persons with albinism still face significant barriers, including discrimination, stigma, bullying, social exclusion, and obstacles to accessing education, healthcare, employment, and full participation in society.
He encouraged members of the albinism community to embrace their identity, describing their skin as a unique part of who they are rather than a source of shame.
Speaking at the commemoration, Soliu Habeeb Babaoloye, Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Needs, congratulated the association for organizing the event and promoting awareness for persons with albinism.
Babaoloye called on members of the public to embrace peaceful coexistence and treat persons living with disabilities with dignity, respect, and equality, urging everyone to reject discrimination in all forms.
He noted that creating awareness and promoting inclusion has remained a priority, stressing that advocacy efforts for persons with disabilities have been ongoing since 2002.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment towards supporting initiatives that promote acceptance, inclusion, and improved opportunities for persons with disabilities across the state.
Officer Daramola, PWD Desk Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara State Command, also reaffirmed institutional support for the cause.
Daramola pledged continuous support to the organization in its efforts to eliminate discrimination and abuse against persons with albinism in Nigeria.
He further admonished persons with albinism to remain proud of themselves, encouraging them to reject and rise above all forms of abuse and stigma.
Abdulkareem Kudurat Olayinka, a member of the association, highlighted the importance of sensitization in society as a factor that has limited misconceptions about albinism.
“We are human beings who lack the melanin pigment and should therefore be included and accepted in society,” Olayinka said.
Nojeem Khadijat, a person with albinism and mother of an albino child, appreciated technology and the government’s impact in reducing health risks associated with the condition.
She noted that skin protection creams have been made available by the government to protect persons with albinism.
Khadijat pleaded with the government to keep doing more to further protect persons with albinism in society.
International Albinism Awareness Day is observed annually on June 13. This year’s event comes amid ongoing advocacy for stronger legal protections for persons with albinism across Nigeria.
Activists have repeatedly called for the full implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, which was signed into law in 2019.
