Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has declared that contrary to wide belief, albinism is not contagious but an ordinary genetic condition.
He urged Nigerians to discard the erroneous myths, misconceptions and discrimination against persons with albinism as he provided sunscreens, sunblocks and financial assistance to 360 persons with albinism across the 18 local government areas of the state.
In this wise, he declared that his administration would continue to pursue policies that promote inclusion and improve the welfare of vulnerable groups.
Aiyedatiwa spoke on Monday in Akure during the 2026 World Albinism Awareness Day celebration organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development,
He was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Bosede Osamaye, who said the intervention was designed to protect persons with albinism from the harmful effects of prolonged exposure to sunlight, to which they are particularly vulnerable.
According to him, “persons with albinism are particularly vulnerable to sun-related health challenges,” stressing that “the government would continue to support initiatives that safeguard their wellbeing and ensure that they enjoy equal opportunities in society.”
The Governor urged the beneficiaries and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the protective materials were distributed to the intended recipients across the 18 local government areas, adding that the intervention should translate into tangible improvements in the lives of persons with albinism.
He said the theme of the celebration, “Proudly My Skin, Celebrating All Skin Tones,” was particularly relevant to the government’s inclusion agenda, as it promoted acceptance, dignity and respect for people irrespective of their skin colour or physical condition.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Ondo State Agency for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, Mrs Folashade Arise, commended the state government for its continued commitment to building an inclusive society, particularly through interventions targeted at persons living with disabilities.
Arise praised Governor Aiyedatiwa and the First Lady for their support for persons with disabilities, describing them as strong advocates of inclusion, while also commending the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and the state disability agency for the success of the programme.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, represented by the Director of Social Welfare, Adebayo Oyegunwa, called for sustained public enlightenment to confront the stigma and discrimination faced by persons with albinism.
Oyegunwa stressed that persons with albinism deserved dignity, equal opportunities and protection of their fundamental human rights, urging members of the public to see them as equal members of society.
The Chairman of the Albinism Association of Nigeria, Ondo State Chapter, Prince Fagorola Ayodele Mafolayomi, commended the Governor for supporting persons with albinism, noting that the association had continued to receive government assistance for the procurement of sunscreens, sunblocks and other protective materials.
Mafolayomi, however, recalled the association’s appeal to the Governor to establish a dermatology and skin cancer centre in the state, expressing optimism that the request would receive favourable consideration.
The Administrative Secretary of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Mr Eniola Olushola, also commended the Governor for his commitment to addressing the concerns of persons with disabilities, while a Primary Four pupil living with albinism, Miss Desire Ademeto, used her presentation to urge Nigerian children to respect others, obey their parents and teachers, keep their environment clean and study hard to contribute to national development.
