The Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare of persons living with albinism and other disabilities through interventions in education, healthcare, mobility, housing and economic empowerment.
The government restated its position during the 2026 International Albinism Awareness Day celebration held at the Women Development Centre, Uyo, under the theme, “Proudly in My Skin: Celebrating All Skin Types.”
Representing Governor Umo Eno, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, said the administration’s disability interventions were aimed at promoting dignity, independence and equal participation rather than creating permanent dependence on government assistance.
She said the state had established a ₦100 million Education Intervention Fund for students with disabilities in tertiary institutions, while the ARISE Compassionate Homes Programme had extended housing and livelihood assistance to vulnerable residents, including persons with disabilities.
The administration has also partnered with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to distribute wheelchairs and other mobility aids to persons with disabilities. One beneficiary, Godwin Etim, said the support had enabled him to move independently after previously relying on neighbours to leave his home.
The Special Assistant to the Governor on Persons with Disabilities, Mrs Nnene Bassey, urged persons living with albinism to remain confident in their abilities, stressing that the condition does not affect their intelligence or capacity to contribute to society.
However, Chairman of the Albinism Association of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom chapter, Peace Uko, said government support must be matched with stronger healthcare and employment interventions. She called for free skin-cancer screening and treatment, improved eye-care services and more sustainable empowerment programmes.
Uko also used the occasion to challenge persistent misconceptions about albinism, stressing that it is a genetic condition and not a curse. She said greater public awareness remained necessary to confront discrimination and harmful beliefs against persons living with the condition.
Personal Assistant to the Governor on Persons with Disabilities, Comrade Ubong Ikpe, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to policies that expand opportunities for persons with disabilities, while beneficiaries, including Grace Akpan of Ibeno, commended the government for scholarships, grants and other empowerment initiatives.
The event, organised to promote awareness and inclusion, brought together government officials, disability advocates, members of the Albinism Association of Nigeria and development partners. Speakers agreed that meaningful inclusion must go beyond public celebrations to sustained investment in healthcare, education, employment, mobility and economic independence for persons living with albinism and other disabilities.
