The Lagos Albinism Awareness Foundation (LAAF) has commemorated the 2023 International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) 2023 with the theme: Inclusion is Strength, as it distributes skin protection items to Persons with Albinism (PWAs) in attendance.
The IAAD which is usually commemorated every June 13, is a day to celebrate and promote the human rights of PWAs across the globe.
While giving her opening remarks, the convener of the program, Mrs Josephine Omolola, explained that depite that the day is usually commemorated on June 13, LAAF usually commemorates the day in August, to ensure the inclusion and adequate participation of children with albinism who would be on vacation around the period.
She tasked parents of children with albinism to ensure the adequate inclusion of their children and wards, and not to neglect them.
The Lagos State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Dr. Adebukola Adebayo, who was represented by Mr. Tunde Mohammed, admonished all participants to embrace diversity and unity.
He calls for respect for members of the disability community and effective collaboration among all clusters, through which the overall goal of a disability-inclusive world can be attained.
Dcns Adedoyin Beyioku-Alase, popularly known as Mama Deaf, also called for the inclusion of PWAs and persons with disabilities generally in all sectors of the society.
Highlights of the events were: eye and skin checks, distribution of UV protection items to Persons with Albinism in attendance, skill acquisition by Beadgod, and cutting of cake.
The event was well attended by PWAs, and stakeholders within the disability community across Lagos State.