The Federal Government on Thursday in Abuja, assured Nigerians that the welfare of every Nigerian, irrespective of age, sex, and status was its priority.
The Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike gave the assurance when he received the Draft National Policy document on Albinism from the National Committee for the development of policy on Albinos in Nigeria.
The occasion was at the formal presentation of the Draft Policy on Albinism and the Guidelines on Implementation in Nigeria.
Wike observed that the policy document captured the present state of albinism in the country, proffered pragmatic and justified strategies to address the vulnerability status of persons with albinism.
“The issue of albinism and its impact on persons living with the condition has been on the front burner of our national discourse in recent times.
“In addition, the continued advocacy efforts of the Albino Foundation made it abundantly necessary to reappraise our approach and methods of engagement to tackle the challenges of albinism,’’ Wike said.
He said that the Ministry of Education in collaborated with the foundation, took the initiative to formulate the policy which would “directly and proactively address the diverse challenges.’’
The minister commended the committee and assured that efforts would be made to address the challenges of albinism as a human rights issue.
He promised that this would be presented at the National Council on Education and the Federal Executive Council.
Alhaji Shehu Shagari, the Grand Patron of the Foundation, expressed optimism that the national policy would mitigate the challenges faced by persons with albinism.
Shagari, who is also a former President of Nigeria, was represented by Dr Joseph Wayas, former Senate President.
Shagari commended the Federal Government for formulating the policy, adding that the development was an indication of a progress being made to solve the problem of the albinos.
“But we must not be complacent until we have achieve the aim,’’ he urged.
The President of the Albino Foundation, Mr Jake Epelle, also commended the Federal Government for the interest it had shown in the foundation.
He said that persons with albinism had suffered a great deal of neglect and injustice in the society.
Epelle said that the policy would address the challenges facing the albinos in the society.
“I want to say that education is a right with no prejudice to a particular child, but we still need a lot of support from the ministry.’’
The committee was inaugurated on Sept.4 and it is made up of representatives from federal ministries, departments, agencies, non-governmental organisations, as well as the organised private sector.