FCT judge, Canadian envoy, others warn of discrimination against albinos

A Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Justice U.I. Bello, yesterday cautioned Nigerians to stop discriminating against persons with albinism.

Speaking at the launch of the Albino Foundation, Justice Bello stated that persons with albinism are just like everyone else adding that albinos were entitled to full fundamental human rights as enshrined in the country’s constitution.

He enjoined states, civil society group and individuals to be involved in the elimination of stereotypes, myths and stigmatisation associated with albinism in the country.

Bello stressed the need to give them the opportunity to contribute their own quota to the development of their communities and the country at large.

“I urge all of us to stand for and embrace equality for all and at all times minded that everyone deserves equal opportunity to be part of the society and contribute his or her own quota,” Bello stated.

In his remarks, the Canadian High Commissioner, Christopher Thornley, noted that government has a duty to ensure equal rights for all citizens adding: “Discrimination is not good for nation building and as such any nation that wants to grow must ensure equal rights for all citizens.”

Promoter and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the foundation, Jake Epelle, disclosed that there were cases of brutal killings of persons with albinism in the Eastern part of Africa, especially in Tanzania, Malawi and Uganda.

“The Albinism rights project is aimed at educating and sensitising persons with albinism, families, security agencies, judiciary, legislators and members of the public on the need to promote, protect, defend and enforce the fundamental human rights of persons with albinism in Nigeria,” he added.