The Abia State Commission for the Welfare of Disabled Persons has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at protecting persons with albinism from health risks, discrimination and social exclusion.
The Commission made the commitment when members of the Albinism Association of Nigeria, Abia State Chapter, embarked on an awareness walk to the Government House, Umuahia, as part of activities marking the 2026 International Albinism Awareness Day.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the state government, the Chairman of the Commission, Dr. David Anyaele, reaffirmed the administration of Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to promoting the welfare, dignity and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Anyaele said the government’s approach to disability inclusion was anchored on respect for humanity and the need to ensure that persons with disabilities were not excluded from government programmes and opportunities.
He said the Commission had continued to take awareness and advocacy beyond its office by engaging communities and relevant stakeholders on the rights, needs and wellbeing of persons with disabilities.
“The Commission is making sure that we go around to create awareness,” Anyaele said.
The Commission Chairman also recalled interventions provided to persons with albinism, particularly the distribution of sunscreen, noting that such support was important in protecting persons with albinism from health complications associated with prolonged exposure to sunlight.
He assured the association of the Commission’s continued support for initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing, health and protection of persons with albinism across the state.
Anyaele also commended the support provided to the albinism community by the wife of the Governor and First Lady of Abia State, Lady Priscilla C. Otti.
According to the Abia State Disability Commission, the First Lady hosted persons with albinism in the state for the second time this year, where participants received education on the prevention and management of albinism.
The Commission added that participants at the programme also received food items, medical supplies and financial support.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Albinism Association of Nigeria, Abia State Chapter, Hon. Enyinnaya Nwosu, said the delegation visited the Commission as a family to formally invite it and other stakeholders to the launch of the association’s Cancer Trust Fund.
Nwosu explained that the initiative was designed to support awareness and sensitisation programmes, particularly at the grassroots level, while drawing attention to the need for greater protection of persons with albinism against skin cancer.
He said the association planned to take its sensitisation campaign to schools and communities to educate parents, teachers and members of the public about albinism, health protection and ways of preventing complications associated with the condition.
The association chairman expressed appreciation to the Commission for its continued support and attention to issues affecting persons with albinism in Abia State.
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