Religious Leaders Urge Government and Traditional Rulers to Protect Individuals with Albinism

• Religious leaders call on Edo State Government and traditional rulers to protect individuals with albinism, addressing myths and superstitions
• Workshop organized by INAAC and funded by the Nigeria Women Trust Fund aims to sensitize leaders and prevent discrimination

Religious leaders have called upon the Edo State Government and traditional rulers to prioritize the protection of individuals with albinism. This appeal was made during a sensitization workshop held in Benin, the capital of Edo, to educate religious and traditional leaders on addressing the myths and superstitions associated with albinism.

The workshop, organized by the Initiative for Advancement of the Albinism Cause (INAAC) and funded by the Nigeria Women Trust Fund, took place over the weekend.

During the program, Chief Imam of Benin, Abdulfatai Enabulele, highlighted that discrimination against individuals with albinism is rooted in tradition and custom. He emphasized that Islam does not discriminate against any individual, including those with albinism, and called for increased collaboration with traditional rulers, who are the custodians of customs and traditions.

On the Christian front, Rev. Fr. Alphonsus Eromosele expressed concern that the state government was not doing enough to protect individuals with albinism. He stressed that albinism is a natural condition that should not lead to stigmatization or discrimination, as individuals with albinism manifest the diversity and distributive power of nature.

Dr. Georgina Eromosele from the Edo State Gender Based Violence center assured that the government is firmly against all forms of discrimination and violence against any person.

Joy Obehi Odigie, the Executive Director of INAAC, lamented the stigmatization and discrimination faced by individuals with albinism, which hinders them from realizing their full potential. She explained that the workshop aimed to sensitize religious and traditional leaders about eradicating harmful myths and superstitions associated with albinism to prevent gender-based violence against women, girls, and children with albinism.

Odigie emphasized the importance of working together to create a society that not only accepts people with albinism but also celebrates their uniqueness and diversity while standing against discrimination and harmful practices.

She also expressed disappointment at the absence of traditional rulers at the event. She stressed that religious and traditional leaders must collaborate to build a more compassionate, inclusive, and just society that values every individual.