The Honourable Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, today received the leadership of the Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN) on an advocacy visit aimed at fostering deeper collaboration and aligning efforts to address critical challenges confronting persons with albinism in Nigeria.
The AAN delegation was led by the President of the Association, Dr. (Mrs.) Bisi Bamishe, accompanied by the General Secretary, Mr. Onah Adeyi. During the meeting, the Association highlighted key areas of concern, including social inclusion, access to quality healthcare, and empowerment initiatives to improve the socioeconomic well-being of persons with albinism across the country.
In her remarks, Dr. Bamishe emphasized the need for intentional and inclusive humanitarian policies that take into account the unique needs of persons with albinism, many of whom face systemic discrimination, poor access to medical care (especially for skin and vision-related conditions), and limited economic opportunities. She called for the Ministry’s support in integrating these concerns into national social protection programs and humanitarian interventions.
Responding, Dr. Sununu commended the Albinism Association of Nigeria for its unwavering commitment to advocacy and awareness, noting the critical role it plays in championing the rights of one of Nigeria’s most vulnerable and often overlooked populations. He assured the delegation of the Ministry’s readiness to work closely with the Association to develop and implement policies that address the specific needs of persons with albinism.
“The Ministry recognizes the importance of inclusion in all its programs and is committed to leaving no one behind. We will continue to collaborate with organizations like AAN to ensure that our interventions reach all vulnerable populations effectively,” Dr. Sununu said.
The meeting concluded with mutual commitments to explore concrete areas of partnership, including potential integration of AAN’s priorities into ongoing and upcoming humanitarian projects, community outreach efforts, and economic empowerment schemes.
This visit marks a significant step toward institutional collaboration aimed at building a more inclusive society for all Nigerians, regardless of skin condition or disability.
Joseph Akuse
Program Manager
Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN)
