ODSG empowers Albinos, condemns discrimination

Ejibunu Evelyn & Femi Ilesanmi
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In its bid to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left out in the dividends of democracy, Ondo state government has distributed equipment worth hundreds of thousands to albinos in the state.

The equipment distributed was in commemoration of the 2019  albinos International Awareness Day held at the office of the Agency for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities.

The elaborate ceremony has in attendance representatives of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, his wife, Betty and other dignitaries.

Items distributed were: sewing machines, grinding machines, sunscreen creams, sets of clippers with kits and recommended eyes glasses among others.

Addressing the gathering, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development,  Mrs Titi Adeyemi described as unfortunate the discrimination against the albinos explaining that if given the opportunity, the albinos will contribute their quota to the progress of the society.

The Commissioner represented by the Secretary of the Agency, Mrs Olutope Fashuyi  expressed that  Governor Akeredolu has been in the fore front of advocacies against discriminations against albinos and other persons with disabilities and has consistently provided supportive aids and empowerment materials to them.

He said the Governor is the first in the state  to appoint a Special Assistant on Special Persons, set up the board and appointed a Chairman for the Agency for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilitues.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Agency, Mr Sanmi Alegbeleye described Arakunrin Akeredolu led Administration as the most PWDs-friendly who has continued to support and empower all clusters of PWDs including the albinos who were being celebrated on that day.

He used the forum to drum support for the governor to enable him continue his good work among PWDs.

He said Akeredolu-led administration has continued to prioritize the welfare of PWDs in the state since he assumed office

Welcoming dignitaries at the occasion, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Persons, Princess Folashade Arise called for the recognition and celebration of the accomplishments of the albinos urging all to stand in solidarity with the albinos which was in line with the theme of the day tagged ‘Still Standing Strong’  as a recognition of their fundalmental human rights and achievements.

She said discrimination and supernatural belief about the albinos have continued to scare them to the extent of committing suicide and withdrawing from social interactions due to fear.

Delivering a lecture at the ceremony, a Consultant Opthalmologist, Dr (Mrs) Simi Adaramola called for the need for albinos to use glasses to aid their vision.

Beneficiaries who spoke with The Hope appreciated the gesture of the government and promised to reciprocate the gesture when the need arises.