Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has disclosed that he faced ridicule and rejection over his albinism during the 2023 gubernatorial campaign.
In a video shared on X, he recounted how opponents used his condition against him, while also honoring children living with albinism and encouraging them to embrace their uniqueness.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has revealed that he faced ridicule and rejection over his albinism during the 2023 gubernatorial campaign.
Albinism, a genetic condition caused by little or no melanin production, results in pale skin, light hair, and vision challenges.
Speaking in a video shared on X, the governor explained how opponents used his skin condition as a political weapon against him.
He, however, turned the moment into a message of hope, honouring children living with albinism and encouraging them to embrace their uniqueness with pride.
“Albinos are a golden people, and they have a golden governor,” he said.
“When we started this campaign, some people who did not have what to say, they said they did not want an albino governor. Do you remember?
“Then my dear wife came out and said to them, you may be an albino, but to me, you are my golden boy.”
The governor added that people with albinism are often stigmatised and denied opportunities.
“They will not give us a chance in the past. They will body shame us. They will call us names. They will not let us come to the public,” he said.
“But today, God has brought us out. So anywhere I see one of any of them, I must recognise them.”
Eno also shared what it was like growing up with the condition.
“Growing up with albinism wasn’t easy; I faced bullying, body shaming, and rejection. But today, by God’s grace, I stand proudly,” he wrote.
“That’s why whenever I see anyone with this skin condition, I make it a point to honour and recognise them.”
