General
AAN Seeks Nigeria’s National Albinism Policy Implementation After Five Years
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN) has sought the partnership of the Nigerian media to amplify the provisions of the National Albinism Policy, which has not been implemented by the federal government.
This was the major crux of a one-day interactive meeting with the media aimed at promoting awareness, addressing misconceptions, and fostering advocacy for the rights and welfare of persons with albinism in Nigeria and amplifying the provisions of the National Albinism Policy.
The meeting brought together media professionals, civil society groups, health practitioners, and stakeholders committed to supporting the albinism community.
Speaking at the event, the President of the association, who doubles as its Executive Director, Mrs Bisi Bamishe, acknowledged the critical role of the media in shaping public perception and dispelling myths about albinism.
She emphasized the need for accurate reporting and sustained advocacy to improve the quality of life for persons with albinism and that the National Albinism Policy represents a milestone in the organisation’s efforts to ensure that persons with albinism in Nigeria are recognised, respected, and supported by the society and the three tiers of government.
“The National Policy on Albinism is a comprehensive framework designed to address the unique challenges faced by persons with albinism in Nigeria. The policy aims to promote social inclusion, economic empowerment, and access to education and healthcare for individuals with albinism. It was drafted in 2019 with plans to be implemented within five years. So, it was expected that its implementation would be completed by December 2024 Unfortunately, it has not seen the light of the day.”
“Since it has not been implemented as intended up till now, persons with albinism are suffering and it seems there is no hope even though a national policy supporting our course of living was initiated. Hence, the need to ensure review and implementation is necessary because of the prevailing negative circumstances faced by persons with albinism (PWAs),” she added.
She noted that there was a need for respectful reporting on issues affecting the albinism community, one of which is towards raising awareness about the National Albinism Policy.
She added that other areas include combating myths and stigma and promoting positive representation.
Backing her point, the AAN Lagos State Chairman, Mr Omotolani Ojuri appreciated the support of Disability Rights Funds (DRF) for their unwavering commitment to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities, including those with albinism.
He said AAN was working towards promoting the rights, welfare, and empowerment of individuals with albinism in Nigeria, through which he hopes that the National Albinism Policy will be enforced.
“We believe that by working together with the media, we can create a more inclusive and supportive society for all individuals with albinism; and may I at this point express our deepest gratitude for your interest in our organisation and the importance of the work you do.
“This is an opportunity to build a united front to tackle misinformation, discrimination, and stigmatisation faced by persons with albinism in Nigeria. We aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the provisions of the National Albinism Policy and its significance for the protection and inclusion of persons with albinism.
“We strongly believe that the media will help to play a crucial role in raising awareness about albinism and promoting a more inclusive society.”
During an interactive session at the event, stakeholders exchange ideas, share experiences, and propose actionable solutions not limited to strengthening media campaigns to educate the public about albinism, partnering with media houses to run awareness programmes and increasing engagements with policymakers.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A hotline number, 0800 123 5264, for Nigerians to report any MRS Oil Nigeria Plc filling stations selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, above the approved pump price of N739 per litre, has been released by Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The private refiner said the number was now active nationwide, enabling consumers to promptly report violations and help maintain fair pricing across over 2,000 MRS stations.
This measure follows the refinery’s recent commencement of nationwide PMS sales at N739 per litre—a strategic intervention aimed at stabilising fuel prices and easing the financial burden on Nigerians during the festive season.
“We encourage Nigerians to avoid purchasing PMS at inflated prices when locally refined fuel is available at N739 per litre.
“Report any MRS station selling above this price by calling our hotline. Together, we can ensure that the benefits of this price reduction reach every consumer,” the company stated in a statement.
The organisation stressed its mission to deliver affordable, high-quality fuel while safeguarding national economic interests, reaffirming its commitment to steady supply, backed by a guaranteed daily output of 50 million litres, and warned against attempts to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply.
Regulatory authorities have been urged to remain vigilant and take decisive action against unpatriotic practices.
By refining locally at scale, Dangote Refinery is reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imports, conserving foreign exchange, stabilising the Naira, and strengthening energy security. This initiative represents a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward sustainable energy solutions and economic recovery.
The refinery also issued a stern warning against attempts by unscrupulous operators to create artificial scarcity in response to the price reduction, calling on government agencies to act decisively.
“Any attempt to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply to frustrate recent price reductions is unpatriotic and unacceptable. We urge regulatory authorities to remain vigilant and take firm action against such practices, especially during this critical festive period,” the statement added.
Consumers were advised to resist purchasing fuel at inflated prices when cheaper, high-quality alternatives are readily available.
By Bon Peters
The Airport Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) at Omagwa Rivers State has praised the Customs Area Controller for Customs Area 1 Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku.
At the end-of-the-year party attended by stakeholders, including the leader of the association’s chapter, Mr Charles Onyema, said the customs officer has done well in stakeholder engagement and trade facilitation.
At the event held last Friday, he said his association has been enjoying a very cordial relationship with other organisation in the ecosystem.
“You can see what is happening today, everybody is working together and our operations here are seamless,” he noted.
He stated that apart from creating a very robust business environment for his members and other stakeholders to operate, he has taken a decision to build and commission a befitting ANLCA Secretariat which would be completed soon and be commissioned by the ANLCA national president, Mr Emenike Nwokeoji.
The ANLCA chapter chief said since “Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku assumed office at Customs Area 1, Port Harcourt Command, it has been a different ball game, facilitating trade and increasing Revenue generation.”
“I remember I told her she was a mother during her maiden visit to the airport.
“You know when you have a woman in charge of an affair, food will not lack, compassion will not lack and motherly love will not lack.
“She is very wonderful in stakeholder engagement, revenue generation and trade facilitation,” Mr Onyema enthused.
Projecting into the future, Mr. Onyema said the year 2026 would be better for his members, adding that he has advised them on financial discipline which he said would help them during the trying period.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has declared Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day respectively.
The government also declared Thursday, January 1, 2026, for the New Year celebration.
The declaration was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Mrs Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
According to the statement, the Minister urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of love, peace, humility and sacrifice associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.
Mr Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity, to use the festive season to pray for peace, improved security and national progress.
He further advised Nigerians to remain law-abiding and security-conscious during the celebrations, while wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Business Post reports that on these public holidays – the foreign exchange market, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), as well as the NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange will not open to trade.
-
Feature/OPED6 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism9 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz3 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking7 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy3 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking3 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Banking3 years agoSort Codes of UBA Branches in Nigeria
-
Sports3 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn