The Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN) has elected a new National Executive Council to lead the association for the next tenure following its National Election held on June 13, 2026, coinciding with this year’s International Albinism Awareness Day. The election took place during the association’s national convention at Parkview Hotels, Wuse Zone 1, Abuja, and was described as peaceful, transparent, and credible by the Electoral Committee.
Mrs. Josephine Omolola emerged as the newly elected National President of the association after defeating three other contestants. Other elected officials include Cyril Eyop as Vice President (North), Nonye Ogbuagu as Vice President (South), Rex Erameh as General Secretary, Abimbola Oluwatosin Oluwasegun as Assistant General Secretary, Isola Omotola Elizabeth as Treasurer, Ademeko Busayo Temitope as Welfare Director, and Samaila Salisu as Public Relations Officer. The newly elected executives were presented with Certificates of Return following the announcement of the results.
The Newly Elected Executives of AAN
In a statement issued after the election, Chairman of the AAN Electoral Committee, Aghanti Sunday Smith, commended delegates, aspirants, and members of the committee for their commitment to a successful electoral process. He noted that the election demonstrated the association’s dedication to unity, fairness, and the advancement of persons with albinism in Nigeria. Smith urged members to support the new leadership in building a stronger, more inclusive, and empowered community.
Delivering her acceptance speech, Mrs. Omolola expressed gratitude to members for the confidence reposed in her and pledged to lead with integrity, transparency, and inclusiveness. She said her administration would focus on advocacy and rights protection, education and awareness, healthcare and skin cancer prevention, youth and women empowerment, partnerships, and national unity. She also unveiled a seven-point agenda centered on national unity and inclusive leadership, healthcare and skin cancer prevention, education and scholarship support, economic empowerment and skills development, advocacy and human rights protection, support for women and vulnerable groups, and strategic partnerships.
The newly elected president emphasized the need to address challenges faced by persons with albinism, including discrimination, social exclusion, barriers to education and healthcare, unemployment, and insecurity. She called on members, government agencies, civil society organizations, and development partners to work together to create a society where persons with albinism can enjoy equal rights, opportunities, and dignity.
Members of Albinism Association of Nigeria
In another significant development, Mrs. Omolola was honoured on June 14, 2026, by the Grassroots Initiative for Albinism in Africa (GIFAA) with the Special Advocate for Persons with Albinism Award. Receiving the award a day after her election, she described the recognition as both humbling and inspiring, noting that it reflected the collective efforts of advocates and stakeholders working to improve the lives of persons with albinism across Nigeria and Africa.
She thanked GIFAA for the recognition and reaffirmed her commitment to championing policies and programmes that promote inclusion, healthcare access, education, social protection, and equal opportunities for persons with albinism. According to her, the award serves as a renewed call to service and strengthens her resolve to advance the rights and well-being of persons with albinism through collaborative action and sustained advocacy.
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