President of The Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN), Jack Epelle has disclosed that he is set to retire from his position as President of The Albinism Association of Nigeria on August 30.
Epelle made the disclosure at Diversity Sunday, an event organized to celebrate People with Disabilities at The King’s Court, Redeemed Christian church of God, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Giving insight into his decision, the President revealed that his retiring is informed by the desire to give youth the chance to lead.
“I had three years as CEO of the foundation. Now it’s about time to step down for the younger ones to lead”.
Epelle who described Persons with Albinism as having inadequate melanin which affect coloring of skins and some parts of the body revealed that the Albinism foundation is today worth 10 million dollars in project.
“The European Union just implemented a huge project after about 3 years of my administration. According to Epelle, if you do well, they will give you direct grants. Fortunately, we did well and they gave us a budget that is 10 times more than what we did in 3 years.
Jack also faults those who refer to PWDs as People “Living” with Disabilities.
According to him, “PWDs don’t live with disability. We are Persons with Disabilities, remove the word “living” from the term. By saying I live with disability, you are indirectly laying emphasis on my Disability. You insinuate that until the Disability leaves, I am not the same person.”
“Don’t put the person’s situation first before the person”, Jack enlightens.
A visibly elated Jack heaped praises on the Parish Pastor, Ben Akabueze for being the reason beside the founding of the foundation. He went on to task him to make every Sunday a Diversity Sunday in a distinct way – even if unheralded, by creating a comfortable environment and encouraging/assisting People with Disabilities to be part of the church amidst Diversities.
He urged the Pastor to make provision for sign language services a permanent feature in the church.
“Hire a sign language interpreter or counselor with a non-discriminatory attitude, Epelle advised.
“You don’t attract people you like, rather, you attract people you celebrate.” He said.