The Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN) has urged the Nigerian government to make inclusive commitments for marginalized groups at the 2025 Global Disability Summit (GDS), scheduled for April.
Dr. Bisi Bamishe, Executive Director of AAN, made the appeal during the launch of a project titled “Voices from the Field – From Commitment to Action: Implementing the Global Disability Summit Pledges for Persons with Albinism.” The one-day inception meeting was held on Wednesday in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Bamishe described the initiative as a transformative step to ensure that commitments made at the GDS translate into tangible improvements for persons with albinism and other marginalized communities in Nigeria.
“This project aims to prepare Nigeria for the 2025 Global Disability Summit, where we expect bold and inclusive commitments from our government,” she said. “We want pledges that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of persons with albinism and other marginalized groups.”
Dr. Bamishe stressed that the real challenge lies in implementing these commitments:
“The real work begins after the summit. Our mission is to ensure these promises don’t remain mere rhetoric. The post-summit phase is about action, accountability, and delivering meaningful results that positively impact lives.”
She emphasized the importance of inclusivity and collaboration with key stakeholders, such as the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), to achieve the project’s goals:
“Our approach prioritizes collaboration and inclusivity. The voices of persons with disabilities must guide these commitments to ensure equitable policies and decisions.”
According to her, the “Voices from the Field” initiative is focused on transforming commitments into actionable steps through advocacy, awareness, and policy reform to address the challenges faced by persons with albinism and other marginalized groups.
“This project is a call to action. It challenges us to move beyond empty promises and take deliberate steps to improve the lives of persons with albinism and other marginalized groups. It’s about turning aspirations into measurable achievements,” she added.
Dr. Bamishe also shed light on the unique struggles persons with albinism face, such as stigmatization, discrimination, and limited access to essential opportunities.
“These systemic barriers prevent full societal participation. Through this initiative, we aim to foster awareness, advocate for inclusive policies, and ensure the effective implementation of GDS pledges at the grassroots level,” she concluded.
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