The Akwa Ibom State Government has marked the 2026 International Albinism Awareness Day, with commitment to promoting the welfare, inclusion and equal opportunities of persons with disabilities.
Assuring members of the Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN) that they will continue to benefit from the policies and programmes of the ARISE Administration, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, who represented Governor Umo Eno, at the event held on Friday, June 26, at the Women Development Centre, Uyo, thanked God for the gift of life and commended the Chairman of (AAN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Miss Peace Uko, for her resilience and dedication in successfully organising the event.
The event, themed, “Proudly in My Skin: Celebrating All Skin Types,” Princess Ibanga applauded Governor Eno for fostering an inclusive government through appointments, empowerment programmes and social intervention initiatives for Persons With Disabilities. She urged those yet to benefit from government programmes to remain hopeful, assuring them that opportunities would reach everyone in due course.
The Commissioner stressed the importance of unity, love and collaboration within the disability community, noting that greater progress could be achieved through collective efforts. She assured the association of the ministry’s commitment to implementing inclusive programmes across all disability clusters without discrimination.
Princess Ibanga also encouraged members of the association to fulfil their civic responsibilities by registering to vote and obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stressing that active participation in elections strengthens democratic governance.
In her remarks, the Chairman of AAN, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Miss Peace Uko, said the event commemorated the 11th International Albinism Awareness Day. Although the global observance is held annually on June 13, she explained that the state chapter celebrated this year’s event on June 26. She described albinism as a genetic condition, not a curse, and identified discrimination, ignorance and societal barriers as the major challenges confronting persons with albinism.
Miss Uko appreciated the Governor for his unwavering support for persons with disabilities and appealed for greater government intervention through free skin cancer screening and treatment, improved vision care, employment opportunities and expanded empowerment programmes.
Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), Mrs. Nnene Bassey, commended persons living with albinism for their resilience and determination, noting that albinism does not diminish their worth or ability to contribute meaningfully to society.
She expressed confidence in Governor Eno’s commitment to addressing their concerns through inclusive policies and social protection programmes.
The Personal Assistant to the Governor on PWDs, Comr. Ubong Ikpe, also lauded the Governor’s sustained efforts in advancing inclusion through health, education and empowerment initiatives under the ARISE Agenda and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting the rights and welfare of Persons With Disabilities.
The event featured the presentation of sunscreen cream and other protective items to members of the association by the Commissioner, as well as the cutting of an anniversary cake.
Dignitaries in attendance included the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, represented by Dr. Dominic Akpan; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Eno Akpan; Director of Admin, Mr. Edwin James, the South-South Coordinator of JONAPWD, Mr. Edmond Ekanem; and other stakeholders in the disability community.
