The Executive Director of the Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN), Dr. Bisi Bamishe, has applauded the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) for its leadership and unwavering commitment toward advancing the implementation of the Global Disability Summit (GDS) 2025 commitments in Nigeria.
Speaking on disability inclusion particularly for marginalized and often overlooked groups at the Conference of Stakeholders on Disability Inclusion in Nigeria (COSDIN-2025) held on 27th & 28th November 2025 at the Yar’Adua Centre, FCT-Abuja, Dr. Bamishe stressed that transforming Nigeria’s commitments into meaningful outcomes would require strong collaboration among disability clusters, backed by coordinated, strategic, and sustained advocacy efforts. She noted that real progress depends on intentional sensitization and engagement with key stakeholders, including MDAs, the media, and public institutions responsible for translating commitments into operational action.
She expressed deep appreciation to the Disability Rights Fund (DRF) for its continued support, recognizing that this partnership has brought about increased advocacy visibility, government responsiveness, and broader civil society engagement resulting in a positive shift in opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Dr. Bamishe emphasized: “The Global Disability Summit 2025 provides Nigeria with a strategic opportunity to translate disability commitments into measurable real-world outcomes. As a cluster under the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), the Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN) is positioned to drive evidence-based advocacy that ensures persons with albinism are not overlooked in national implementation processes. Our role is to move conversations from policy to practice; from pledges to protection’ ensuring that the lived realities of persons with albinism guide how Nigeria delivers on its GDS 2025 commitments.”
She outlined AAN’s core implementation priorities: Inclusive Education, Health Equity, Inclusive Climate Action and Social Protection According to her, progress across these pillars would significantly uplift the dignity, safety, and overall wellbeing of persons with albinism in Nigeria.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Bamishe urged all advocates, government actors, and development partners to intensify the momentum of implementation, asserting that the current efforts must evolve beyond ceremonial acknowledgments into sustainable, measurable impact. “These commitments must not remain on paper. They must translate into tangible changes in the lives of persons with disabilities.”
AAN reaffirmed its readiness to lead an accountability-driven approach, ensuring equitable treatment and tracking Nigeria’s fulfillment of albinism-inclusive pledges under GDS 2025. “Our objective is clear,” Dr. Bamishe concluded. “To ensure that every person with albinism in Nigeria experiences real change in classrooms, hospitals, communities, workplaces, and public spaces.”
