By Olamilekan Shittu
The Ondo State Government has provided financial assistance and distributed sunscreens and sunblocks to 360 persons living with albinism across the state’s 18 local government areas as part of efforts to improve their welfare and protect them from sun-related health challenges.
The intervention was announced during the 2026 World Albinism Awareness Day celebration held in Akure at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
Representing Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa at the event, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Bosede Osamaye, said the support was aimed at helping persons with albinism protect their skin from the harmful effects of prolonged exposure to sunlight.
She explained that people living with albinism are particularly vulnerable to certain sun-related health conditions, making access to protective materials an important part of supporting their wellbeing.
Osamaye said the state government remained committed to promoting the welfare, dignity and inclusion of persons with disabilities and ensuring that vulnerable groups were not left behind in the state’s development efforts.
She urged the beneficiaries and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the protective materials reached the intended recipients across the 18 local government areas.
The governor also used the occasion to call for an end to the myths and misconceptions surrounding albinism, stressing that the condition is genetic and not contagious.
According to him, the theme of this year’s celebration, “Proudly My Skin, Celebrating All Skin Tones,” appropriately reinforces the need for acceptance, dignity and inclusion regardless of skin colour or physical appearance.
The Chairman of the Ondo State Agency for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, Mrs Folashade Arise, commended the state government for what she described as its continued commitment to building an inclusive society.
Arise particularly praised Governor Aiyedatiwa and the First Lady of Ondo State for their support for persons with disabilities, describing them as strong advocates for inclusion and improved welfare.
She also appreciated officials of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and the Ondo State Agency for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities for their efforts towards the success of the programme.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, represented by the Director of Social Welfare, Adebayo Oyegunwa, called for increased public awareness to address the stigma and discrimination faced by persons with albinism.
Oyegunwa said persons living with albinism deserved dignity, equal opportunities and protection of their fundamental human rights.
He noted that greater awareness and public education would help correct misconceptions about albinism and encourage communities to treat people living with the condition with respect and fairness.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Albinism Association of Nigeria, Ondo State Chapter, Prince Fagorola Ayodele Mafolayomi, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for supporting persons with disabilities in the state.
Mafolayomi disclosed that the association had continued to receive government support for the procurement of sunscreens, sunblocks and other protective materials needed by persons living with albinism.
He recalled that the association had also appealed to the governor to establish a dermatology and skin cancer centre in Ondo State.
According to him, such a centre would provide specialised healthcare services for persons with albinism and other residents requiring dermatological care.
Mafolayomi expressed optimism that the request would receive favourable consideration from the state government.
The Administrative Secretary of the Ondo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Mr Eniola Olushola, Esq., who delivered the vote of thanks, also commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his commitment to addressing the concerns of persons with disabilities.
The programme also featured presentations and activities aimed at promoting awareness and inclusion.
One of the participants, Miss Desire Ademeto, a Primary Four pupil living with albinism, gave a presentation on Nigeria and its diverse cultural heritage.
Ademeto described Nigeria as a country blessed with diverse cultures, languages and traditions and encouraged Nigerian children to contribute positively to society.
She urged children to keep their environment clean, respect others, obey their parents and teachers and take their education seriously.
The World Albinism Awareness Day programme provided an opportunity for government officials, disability advocates, persons living with albinism and other stakeholders to draw attention to the challenges faced by people with the condition while promoting greater acceptance and inclusion.
The distribution of protective materials and financial assistance across Ondo State formed part of the government’s efforts to provide practical support to persons living with albinism while raising awareness about their health and social needs.
Stakeholders at the event also stressed that beyond government interventions, sustained public education would be necessary to eliminate misconceptions, discrimination and stigma and ensure that persons with albinism can participate fully in society.
