Airtel Nigeria Spotlights Struggles of Albinism

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

A leading telco, Airtel Nigeria, has put a spotlight on the rarely discussed struggles associated with living with albinism in the country, featuring Ms Eunice Nwokeocha, a young woman living with albinism, in its flagship television programme, Airtel Touching Lives.

The show aired the struggles of Ms Nwokeocha in the second episode of Airtel Touching Lives Season 7 on Sunday, July 2, 2023.

Albinism is a genetic condition that affects the production of melanin, which is the pigment that gives colour to the skin, hair, and eyes.

Due to the lack of pigmentation, Ms Nwokeocha has had to face various debilitating challenges such as vision impairment, skin cancer risks, job discrimination, and social exclusion.

In her interview for the program, she narrated how social isolation has prevented her from finding a good job, forcing her to start her own business.

She also expressed regret at how low understanding and awareness in Nigeria has created an unfriendly environment for people like her.

However, succour came her way as the telecom giant, in the episode of the programme, intervened to offer relief to her and further grow her business.

This year’s Airtel Touching Lives premiered on Sunday, June 25, 2023, and it will feature several humanitarian projects that have benefited a large number of individuals and communities across Nigeria.

Commenting on the new series, the Director of Corporate Communications and CSR at Airtel Nigeria, Mr Femi Adeniran, highlighted some interventions that viewers are to expect.

“This season features stories that are not only touching but also eye-opening, such as the ones about an organization that cares for children with autism and learning disabilities, a community with an auspicious plan to train and empower its youth, and an individual who helps to prevent infant mortality,” he said.

This episode will also feature a revisit on the Ahmed story, an eight-year-old boy who is battling sickle cell anaemia.

Ahmed, born into a family with its own daily economic constraints, was in a degenerative state, requiring costly daily medication, until Airtel intervened to provide financial support for his parents.

Airtel Touching Lives Season 7 airs on Sundays on the following national and cable TV stations: African Magic Urban at 5:00 pm, NTA Network at 6:30 pm, and Startimes Channel 108 at 6:00 pm. Re-runs are broadcast on Tuesdays on African Magic Urban at 3:30 pm, and on Wednesdays on Startimes Channel 108 at 6:30 pm. All episodes of Airtel Touching Lives are also available to stream on the Airtel TV app.