The governor of the state of Akwa Ibom, the pastor Umo Eno, has opened about his struggles that grow with albinism, remembering years of harassment, shame and rejection before rising to public office.
Speaking in an organized event for people with albinism, the governor reflected on the discrimination he suffered and how he almost cost him a political career, and many doubt his leadership possibilities due to his skin status.
“Growing up with albinism was not easy. I faced bullying, the shame of the body and rejection. But today, by the grace of God, I am proudly.
“That is why I see someone with this skin condition, I make a point to honor them and recognize them. They are golden people and have a golden governor,” he said.
Eno remembered how, during his campaign, some critics rejected him only due to his appearance.
However, he pointed out that his wife gave him strength in those difficult times, always calling him his “golden child.”
“When we started this campaign, some people who did not have what they said said they didn’t want an Albino governor. Do you remember? Then my dear wife approached and said: ‘You can be an albino, but for me, you are my golden boy,'” he said.
The governor, who is the first leader of Nigeria with albinismo, promised the continuous support for people who live with the condition, emphasizing that negative labels had been annulled by their appearance.
“They would be ashamed of our body. They would call us names. They wouldn’t let us come to the public. But today, God has brought us. So in any place I see someone with albinism, I must recognize them,” he said.
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