The Albinism Association in Ekiti, has urged the Federal Government
to bring back free cancer treatment to save its members from untimely
death.
The association’s outburst follows the case of a 31-year old Albino,
Ibigbami Damilola, who is begging Governor Ayodele Fayose and
well-meaning Nigerians to save her from being killed by cancer of the
nose.
Ibigbami, whose fate is now hanging in the balance, needs one million
naira to undergo surgery, after her parents had expended over N400,000
to make her stay alive since the ailment began a year ago. In a letter addressed to the governor and signed by the chairman, Mr.
Abegunde Muyiwa, the association accused the Federal Government of
neglecting albinos, lamenting that members of the association were being
treated like second class citizens in Nigeria.
Abegunde said with over 40 percent of albinism cases globally,
Nigeria ought to place high premium on the wellbeing of the members.
“We are the most neglected, most stigmatized and most discriminated
against among the vulnerable groups. We are not being considered for
employment benefits, even among these groups,” he said.
“The skin cancer treatment was free before, but today it has been
scrapped and our members, who fall within the most poverty-stricken, are
the worst victims of this ailment.
“We are pleading with government to reverse the action and make lives
comfortable for us. There are so many jobs that could be of help that
we cannot do because of the ocular impairment .We can’t be okada riders,
neither can we go into tailoring among others. Government must save us
from dying in penury,” he stated.
Narrating her ordeal to journalists on Sunday, the Economics/Social
Studies graduate of College of Education, Ikere Ekiti, said the sickness
started like a boil a year ago, but further diagnosis revealed that it
was nose cancer, which had ruptured the affected area into lobes.
She disclosed that she has visited more than four hospitals since her travails began.
“As I am now, I can’t breathe through the nose. The pain is much and
threatening my life. I want to appeal to Nigerians to come to my aid. I
have to go through surgery and radiotherapy to be able to live a normal
life, I can’t afford the cost.”
Her 59-year old father and retiree, Mr Samuel Ibigbami, expressed
regret that albinos were being treated like outcast in their own
country.
Mr Ibigbami added that government and corporate organisations have
not been fair to them in terms of employment, welfare and other critical
areas that can ease their existence.
“I think the Albinism association must advocate for the establishment
of a commission through which they can channel their grievances. They
are sidelined, neglected and they have become hopeless in their own
country.
Credit: Punch
“As a retiree, am being owed 12 months pension arrears and I can’t
afford the cost. My family is now in disarray. To eat is not easy. We
are agonized and we beg Nigerians for help.”
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