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WELCOME ADDRESS AND OPENING REMARKS BY THE AAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MRS. BISI BAMISHE TO MARK A THREE-DAY RESIDENTIAL MEETING FOR THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, EXECUTIVE MEMBERS, AND TECHNICAL STAFF OF THE ALBINISM ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA ON STRATEGIC PLANNING AND ORGANIZATIONAL SAFEGUARDING POLICIES AT BLUE SPRING HOTEL ABUJA ON THE 28TH TO 30TH AUGUST, 2024
Distinguished Board of Trustees, Disability Rights Fund (DRF), Our Pioneer President, Mrs Jake Epell My esteemed Executive Members, Technical Staff, Our Consultant, Ladies and Gentlemen;
On behalf of the entire members and staff of the Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN), I am delighted to welcome you all to this three-day residential meeting for the Board, Executive and Technical Members of AAN with support from our donor; the Disability Rights Fund. As we gather here today, we are not only celebrating our partnership with the Disability Rights Fund but also embarking on a crucial exercise that will shape the future of our organization. Your presence here today is a testament to your unwavering commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of persons with albinism in our country. This meeting is made possible through the generous support of the Disability Rights Fund, an organization that shares our passion for ensuring that the voices of persons with disabilities are heard, their rights are respected, and their potential is fully realized. We are grateful for their partnership and for believing in the work that we do.
In the past eight months, DRF has supported us in many ways. With the help of the organization, AAN was able to draft 20 organizational policies which has brought us here today. In the first quarter of 2024, we engaged a consultant who drafted the policies. He is here with us to introduce them to members of our distinguished BOT members, the Excos as well as our Technical team.
Also, with the assistance from DRF, we embarked on the project tagged Advancing the implementation of the National policy on Albinism in Nigeria. In pursuing this objective, we paid Advocacy visits the National Assembly, organized a one day strategic meeting with the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders. We had a hybrid meeting with members of the Albinism community and other Disability groups to discuss theirs in the implementation process. Next focus group is the media. We are meeting them soon. Indeed, we are grateful to DRF. Uncle Theo, as l fondly calls you, thank you for believing in us. Make God reward your labour of love.
This gathering marks a significant milestone in our journey as an organization. Over the next few days, we will engage in strategic discussions on forward-thinking policies, and lay the groundwork for our collective vision. Our focus will be on ensuring that the Albinism Association of Nigeria, not only meets the immediate needs of our community but also positions itself as one of the leading voices in the broader movement for disability rights in Nigeria and beyond.
While we embark on this journey together, I encourage everyone of us to bring our unique perspectives, experiences, and expertise to the table. The strength of our organization lies in our diversity and our shared commitment to making a difference. Over the next three days, we will delve into strategic planning, refine our organizational policies, and identify the key areas where we can drive the most impact. Let us approach these discussions with open minds and a spirit of collaboration. Our goal is to emerge from this meeting with a clear, actionable plan that will guide us in the coming years and ensure that the Albinism Association of Nigeria continues to be a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change.
In conclusion, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your dedication and hard work. Together, we have the power to transform lives, challenge societal perceptions against us, and build a more inclusive future for all persons with albinism in Nigeria.
Thank you once again for being here. I look forward to our fruitful discussions and to the positive outcomes that will surely arise from this meeting.
God bless.
Mrs. Bisi Bamishe
AAN: Executive Director
