The president of the Albino Foundation, Jake Epelle, has won the Franco–German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law 2021.
The award is presented annually to individuals who have distinguished themselves in promoting human rights around the world.
Epelle is the third Nigerian to win the award given annually on the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The award was presented to Epelle in Abuja on Tuesday at a ceremony held at the French embassy.
Amb. Emmanuelle Blatmann, French Ambassador to Nigeria, said Epelle was chosen for his unwavering commitment to promoting human rights.
Blatmann said it is to pay tribute to all those who, “often risk their freedom and their lives” to ensure respect for human rights.
“At a time when these rights are increasingly threatened and undermined, the battle they wage is essential to safeguard the fundamental freedoms inherent in democracy.
“Every year, the Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law is awarded to 15 figures from different countries of the world who stand out for their actions on the ground.
“This is actually the third in the history of the award that a Nigerian candidate has been selected.
“This shows the exceptional vitality of the women and men of the country, who sometimes passionately dedicate their entire lives to a cause, defying all the dangers to which they are sometimes exposed.”
Blatmann said that Epelle is one of the extraordinary men, who started from nowhere to change minds and fight for those whose rights were often violated.
He said Epelle addressed the challenges of people with albinism on five key issues of social impact, discrimination, lack of medical care for skin cancer and visual impairment.
It also addressed issues of lack of quality education, need for economic empowerment, policy formulation and sponsorship of bills, among others.
Germany’s Ambassador to Nigeria Birgitt Ory said the award was meant to encourage, congratulate and honor people.
“It also shows that we are very aware of the work that human rights organizations do in Nigeria.
“We are proud of our host country and we are very happy that so many representatives of civil society are here today.
“We recognize the rather difficult and challenging work that Jake Epelle does for the Albino, it is not easy, there are probably days when he was disappointed, but he was probably there to help people.
“We are here to highlight his work, we are truly honored and it is time for the Nigerian laureate to win this award.
“It is one of the best things we do with the German and French cooperation,” he said.
In response, Epelle thanked the two embassies for honoring him and dedicated the award to the disability community, his wife and son, as well as Nigeria.
Epelle said the awards meant a lot in terms of recognizing the people whose rights must be protected and the need for more work for the marginalized, the oppressed and the voiceless.
“I congratulate the media that have brought me to where I am today; And it means everything, it means a lot to my country and I promise that now there will be much more force on human rights.
“This is because it is very important to us. In our organization, we do have a project called the right to albinism, specifically for people with albinism where we teach them their rights, promote their rights and prosecute those who violate their rights.”