ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called on Nigerians to promote the rights, dignity, health, and wellbeing of persons living with albinism as the world commemorates International Albinism Awareness Day 2026.
In a message issued to mark the annual observance, the First Lady highlighted the challenges faced by people with albinism and urged greater awareness and support to improve their quality of life.
As Okay News reports, this year’s International Albinism Awareness Day is being observed under the theme, “Demanding Our Rights: Protect Our Skin, Preserve Our Lives.”
Mrs. Tinubu noted that despite growing awareness, many persons living with albinism continue to face discrimination, social stigma, and serious health challenges. She particularly drew attention to their heightened risk of developing skin cancer due to prolonged exposure to sunlight and limited access to essential healthcare services.
According to the First Lady, inadequate access to sunscreen, protective clothing, routine skin examinations, and treatment services remains a major concern for many people with albinism.
She therefore urged Nigerians to strengthen efforts toward inclusion, safeguard the rights of persons with albinism, and support improved access to healthcare and other social services.
Mrs. Tinubu also called for the creation of a society where persons with albinism are treated with fairness, love, respect, and equal opportunities, regardless of their physical appearance.
