ALBINISM ASSOCIATION PARTNERS DISABILITY RIGHTS FUND ON POLICY IMPLEMENTATION
By Hope Ejairu
In a move to ensure the implementation of National Policy on Albinism, the
Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN)
recently paid advocacy visit to the National Assembly.
The project titled “Advancing Policy Implementation On Inclusive Education For Persons with Albinism In Nigeria” is been funded by Disability Rights Fund.
Receiving members of the association led by the National President, Mrs Bisi Bamishe in his office, the Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Disabilities, Hon. Dr. Bashiru Dawodu said thst as matter of urgency, his committee will facilitate the review and implementation of the National Policy on Albinism in Nigeria.
He promised to place an order of execution on all matters related to the well-being of people with Albinism in Nigeria and ensure adequate care is given with due considerations.
Hon. Dawodu lamented the need to investigate compliance with the Disability Act pledged to enforce the law, hence assured the association of the committee’s readiness to engage stakeholders who will help to facilitate implementation of AlbinismPolicy.
He lauded the Executive Officers of the association for their efforts and assured them of the House Committee’s readiness to ensure the review and implementation of the policy as requested.
Dawodu also vowed to involve relevant agencies that will help actualized this dream saying, “We will officially inform relevant stakeholders and agencies on the need to collaborate and facilitate activities related and to members of AAN for effective and efficient delivery.”
However, he requested that AAN members should not relent in their efforts but to continue with the fight as it is very important and should equally collaborate with relevant bodies like the ministries of Health, Education, Humanitarian among others who will help facilitate some of their outlined activities.
The committee chairman promised to hold a feedback meeting with the association soon which will help to ascertain the implementation of the policy and other newer challenges envisaged and discuss possible ways to address them.
In her earlier address Mrs Bamishe said, “We are here to inform you that, the National Policy on Albinism 2019, which was passed into law by the House of Assembly, holds significant promise for protecting and promoting the rights of individuals with albinism. As you may know, albinism is a genetic condition that affects people of all races and ethnicities, and it is characterized by reduction in the amount of melanin produced in the skin, hair and eyes. That is to say that, persons with albinism often face discrimination, stigma and violence due to their appearance.
“This policy was designed to address these issues and promote the rights and well-being of persons with albinism in Nigeria. Unfortunately, despite the policy being passed into law in 2019, it is yet to be implemented. This is a serious concern; as it means that persons with albinism in Nigeria continue to face discrimination and violence without adequate protection and support.
“It is in the light of the this condition that we have come to humbly request of the honourable members of the House and indeed the house committee on Disability to take immediate action to ensure the effective implementation of the National Albinism Policy 2019. By doing so, you will be sending a powerful message for rights of persons with albinism in the country to access education, healthcare, and employment opportunities and social integration of Persons with Albinism.”
Committee members present at the event include member representing the Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus; Zaki Federal Constituency of Bauchi State representative and General Secretary, Hon. Muhammed Dan Abba Shehu.
Others are Ijebu North, Ijebu East and Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency in Ogun State, Hon. Folorunsho Adegbesan (Financial Secretary); Representative of Ibeju Leeki Constituency, Lagos State, Hon. Prince Bayo Balogun.
