General
Albinism Group Advocates Innovation to Bridge Disability Gap in Nigeria
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN) has called for increased innovation to drive sustainable development, which will help close the gap and destigmatise disability in the country.
This call was made by the president of the albinism group, Mrs Bisi Bamishe, at an event used to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on December 31, 2022.
The day was marked in Lagos at the weekend with a roadshow and talk on an inclusive environment for people with albinism.
Speaking at the event, she congratulated the community of persons with albinism in Nigeria for their active engagement, resilience, and positive contributions to the country’s socio-economic development.
AAN is the umbrella body of persons with albinism (PWAs). With the vision to attain a fair, secure, and socially inclusive society that empowers members and provides unfettered access to opportunities for self-fulfilment and dignity of human life.
She noted that the body’s mission is to unite and protect the rights and interests of persons with albinism against discrimination and marginalisation in society.
“Our choice of today’s gathering is to create awareness, as we aim to let the voice of persons with Albinism be heard about our aspirations and needs and make recommendations to the government.”
She said this spurred the theme of the day, Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world, and highlighted examples of how innovation and technology can be leveraged for this purpose.
Mrs Bamishe said, “Innovation can support disability-inclusive development in employment, transportation, education, health, and entertainment, among others. New technology can open job opportunities for PWAs.
“It is worth noting that innovation for disability-inclusive development can help reduce inequality and enable a disability-inclusive society in both the public and private sectors.
“On this special occasion, we honour together the significant contributions of persons with albinism in our state, local and national development.”
She also used the opportunity to reiterate the call for a better life for persons with albinism.
“We cry out against stigmatisation, marginalization and discrimination. We are being aligned and denied the right to live a normal life. Children at school are treated with no consideration for their disability while adults are denied access to jobs, and public facilities, among others.”
“Our members need to have adequate medical care. Many are dying of skin cancer due to a lack of preventive measures and prompt treatment for those suffering from skin cancer. We, therefore, solicit donations of sunblock lotion, hats, and UV protection umbrellas. Local production of sun lotion will be a greater advantage,” she stated.
Speaking further, she called for the creation of an inclusive environment by the Nigerian government for persons with albinism.
“We call on both government and enterprises to tap into the talent pool of persons with albinism.
“In the past years, persons with albinism have made active efforts to call the attention of the government to the need for implementation of disability law. This will surely ameliorate our hardship and suffering.”
“We want to appreciate our development partners in promoting opportunities for PWAs to participate in all spheres of life. Specifically, we say a big thank you to Sightsavers. However, we appeal for more support from development partners and the internationalisation community, help strengthen our abilities and make the rights of persons with disabilities a reality,” Mrs Bamishe added.
She also used the event to introduce the new executives of the association, which will help drive the much-needed advocacy for PWAs.
These are Mrs Bisi Lucy Bamishe, President; Hajia Mariam Ishaka, vice President; Mr Adeyi Onah Daniel, General Secretary; Mr Olushegun Abinbola, Assistant General Secretary; Mrs Elizabeth Omotola, Treasurer; Mr Abel Mvandega, Financial Secretary; Mrs Nonye Ugbaugwu, Welfare Officer; and Mr Ismaila S. PRO.
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.
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