Obaseki Assures Sustained Support For People With Albinism
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured of continued support for people with albinism in the state, calling for collaboration among stakeholders to end marginalisation and stigmatisation against people with albinism.
Obaseki gave the assurance in commemoration of the International Albinism Awareness Day, marked on June 13, each year.
He said: “As the world marks the International Albinism Awareness Day, it is important to stress the need for coordinated efforts among stakeholders in supporting people with albinism and enable them achieve their potential in different life endeavours.
“Coordinated response is desirable to drive awareness which will lead to attitudinal change towards people with albinism. There is need for awareness and advocacy programmes against myths and false beliefs that encourage marginalisation and stigmatisation, which could endanger the lives of people with albinism.”
On the 2021 theme to mark the Albinism Awareness Day “Strength Beyond All Odds,” the governor noted, “My administration will continue to provide support and opportunities that will inspire persons with albinism to contribute to the growth and development of Edo State in their chosen fields of endeavours despite their peculiar needs.”
He noted that the state government will prioritise implementation of policies and programmes that encourage social inclusion for vulnerable persons including people with albinism, noting, “My administration will prioritise the implementation of reforms to check discrimination against people with albinism and encourage them to deploy their potentials to contribute to the growth and development of the state.”
The United Nations General Assembly in 2014, adopted a Resolution proclaiming, with effect from 2015, 13 June as International Albinism Awareness Day.
