The Anambra State Albinism Association has mark 2023 International Albinism Awareness Day with the theme "Ensuring The Inclusion Of The Voices Of Persons With Albinism In All Sectors Of Life".
The event which took place at Prof Dora Akunyili Women Development Center, Awka with the attracted dignitaries which includes, Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma- Udeh represented by Mr Ikem Udoji, the Chairman, Joint National Association of persons with disabilities, (JONAPWD), Ugochukwu Okeke, among others.
In her keynote address, the Chairperson of Anambra State Albinism Association, Vivian Ezeonwumelu , said That essence of marking the day is aimed at creating awareness on different challenges facing people with albinism and to curb marginalization and stigmatization against them.
Ezeonwumelu, further explained that the international Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) was instituted by the United Nations General Assembly on the 18th of December 2014, and officially designated June 13th every year as the day for the celebration. " Albinism is agenetic condition that affects the production of melanin - the pigment that gives color to the hair, skin and eyes, stating that people with Albinism have little or no melanin which makes them vulnerable to sunburn, skin cancer and vision problem".
Ezeonwumelu beckoned to the government to make policies that will include, acceptance, and give equal right and opportunities to people with albinism.
Commissioner for Education,Prof Ngozi Chuma- Udeh, represented by Mr Ikedi Udoja promised to look into the requests for the provision of safety measures for people with albinism and assured them of inclusion in the education sector.
In a lecture titled "Self-Assertive Thinking As A Conscious Strategy Overcoming Discrimination", a psychologist and lecturer from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Mr Ugohukwu Ezeonwumelu, urged people living with albinism to aviod fear, and embrace self confidence which will help them to speak up when necessary.
In a goodwill massage, the Chairman, Joint National Association of persons with disabilities, (JONAPWD), Ugochukwu Okeke, expressed gratitude to God for the gift of life, commended the members group for organizing the program, and appealed to the Ministry of Education to make a policies that will help them in studying which includes, that every child with albinism should be allowed to sit in the front sit of the classroom, school authorities should plant trees to provide shades for them and award special scholarships for such children as encouragement.
In their various remarks, the Chairman, Anambra State Disability Rights Commission, Barr Chukus Ezewuzie represented by Dr Chike Ezejiego, and the Director, Center For Disability and Special Needs Research, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof Willie Obiozor represented by his deputy, Dr Sylvia Obi urged people with albinism to be strong and not allow people intimidate them.
The event also featured free eye test sponsored by the Anambra State Disability Rights Commission.
