Albinos in Osun State have appealed to the Osun State Government, civil societies organisation, and non-governmental organisations to bridge the gap between them and the other members of the society.
Making the appeal under the aegis of the Osun State Chapter of the Albinism Association Of Nigeria, AAN, they also called for equal opportunities for persons with Albinism.
The association made the appeal in a statement by Aghanti Sunday Smith, the Osun AAN Chairman to commemorate the 2024 Albinism Day.
According to this year’s theme: ”10 Years of IAAD: A Decade Of Collective Progress”, Smith called for the building of an accommodating environment for persons with Albinism.
“We need to build a well accommodating and interacting environment which will enhance social security and integration of persons with Albinism in the society and the grassroots, including family, residents and co-workers.
“In view of the discrimination faced by Persons with Albinism, focussing on social stigmatisation and exclusion, low vision and the deadly skins challenges known as cancer, we encourage parents, guardians and the society to understand the concept of the genetic makeup, unverified facts and other societal beliefs,” he added.
He reiterated the tireless efforts of albinism groups from around the world and reflected on the continued legal, policy and practical changes still required to ensure the full and equal enjoyment of rights by persons with albinism, especially in Osun State.