Speaking today at the two-day conference “We Are a People” organized by YouthRise Organisation at the National Merit House, Maitama, Abuja, Dr. Bisi Bamishe delivered a strong advocacy message on the theme “Amplifying the Voices of the Underserved.” She commended YouthRise Organisation for convening such a critical platform that brings together voices across the disability advocacy ecosystem.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Bamishe expressed satisfaction with the collaborative efforts of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), in partnership with the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), donor agencies, and other relevant stakeholders. She stressed that these organizations have been consistent and strategic in engaging responsible Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure full implementation of commitments made to persons with disabilities particularly those pledged by the Nigerian government at the Global Disability Summit in Germany earlier this year.
Responding to a question on the status of implementation of the National Policy on Albinism in Nigeria, Dr. Bamishe admitted that the policy has not yet been operationalized despite extensive advocacy campaigns, government engagements, and outreach efforts conducted by th
e Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN) and its allies. She noted, however, that feedback from recent engagements has provided renewed optimism that these demands will soon translate into real action rather than remaining on paper.
Dr. Bamishe also highlighted the long-standing neglect of persons with albinism, describing it as a painful, enduring exclusion where the community has historically not been considered in meaningful development plans or social benefits. She expressed appreciation to the Disability Rights Fund (DRF) for its sustained support to the association, which has significantly improved visibility, strengthened organizational capacity, and empowered both staff and community members at multiple levels.
She further appealed passionately to the Nigerian government to urgently address the challenges faced by persons with albinism particularly skin cancer, which continues to claim lives at an alarming rate.
“We are not friends to UV radiation,” she reminded the audience, “and with changing weather conditions, our vulnerability increases. The nature of our skin requires special consideration and urgent national response.”
