By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Awka
Anambra State government, Monday, vowed to provide intervention on skin cancer and discriminations against people with albinism in the State.
The State Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), State Disability Rights Commission, Barr. Chuks Ezewuzie, disclosed this in Awka during Albinsm Awareness Day celebration organised by Anambra State Albinism Association (ASAA) in commemoration of the 2022 international day on Albinism.
The event which started with walk for life and sensitisation campaign across major streets and strategic locations of Awka, the Anambra State capital, ended with presentations and experience sharing.
Ezewuzie, while speaking on the theme for the year, 'united in making our voice heard,' said the commission was open to receive complaints on any discrimination of people with albinism, which he assured that Anambra State Disability Rights Law 2018 was ready and applicable in securing their justice.
"People need to be educated on matters related to albinism. A lot of parents do not know the role to play in taking care of children with albinism. I encourage them to identify with our commission or their association to learn more. Cancer is their major challenge.
" Our commission will intervene on that. Cancer cut people's lives short but if they can avoid the sun ray and live a healthy life style by avoiding those things that trigger cancer cells then they can live long and happy," he added.
Also speaking, the Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Ify Obinabo, represented by a Director of Women Affairs in ministry, Ms Hope Ekesiobi, urged people with albinism to believe on themselves, invest more on good feeding and education with a view to living a longer life and been aware of their rights and how to withstand injustice anywhere.
On his part, the State Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, assured that the association which recognises ASAA as a cluster, would never relent in providing for their plights and rights in all parts of the state.
Contributing, Ms Uchendu Dennis representing Director of Rehabilitation in the ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Ms Anthonia Obianyo, encouraged people with albinism to associate with all, while Comrade Ncheta Nwanokwara, who is the Woman Leader, JONAPWD, advocated against domestic violence on people with disabilities especially the women.
Comrades Acha Osaro and Calister John, while sharing their experiences on discrimination against people with albinism, encouraged members of ASAA to study the state disability rights law and be courageous to prosecute any violation to it, as well to feed more on fruits and vegetables, and refrain from sun ray.
Earlier, in an address, the Chairperson, Anambra State Albinism Association (ASAA), Ms Vivian Ezeonwumelu, commended governor Chukwuma Soludo on his good deposition to people with disabilities, and implored his administration to ensure that ASAA members were protected against stigmatisation and maltreatment in schools and society.