Abia Government Extends Special Welfare Support to Albinos, Others

Abia State Government, through the Office of the Wife of the Governor, has extended critical support to persons living with albinism in the state, as part of its broader and sustained commitment to the welfare of vulnerable groups.

At the intervention, 100 members of the Albinism Association of Nigeria, Abia State Chapter, received bags of rice and a cash donation of ₦50,000 each to support their livelihood and wellbeing.

The outreach, held at the country home of the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, was further expanded to include 300 persons living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and AIDS, as well as sickle cell warriors in the state, who also received bags of rice and ₦50,000 each as part of the humanitarian support.

Speaking extensively at the event, Mrs. Otti said the intervention was driven by compassion and a firm belief that governance must be humane, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the most vulnerable. She emphasized that while persons living with albinism face unique challenges, including skin-related health risks, other vulnerable groups such as people living with HIV/AIDS and sickle cell warriors also deserve attention, care, and dignity.

She noted that beyond food and financial assistance, her office has consistently provided persons living with albinism with essential protective materials to safeguard their skin and improve their quality of life, stressing that such support would continue. Mrs. Otti reassured people living with HIV/AIDS and sickle cell warriors that they are not alone, encouraging them to remain hopeful, disciplined with their treatment, and confident that the Abia State Government stands firmly with them.

According to her, the administration of Governor Alex C. Otti, OFR, is intentional about combining infrastructural development with strong social protection policies, ensuring that progress in Abia State does not exclude the vulnerable.

In her remarks, the Director-General of the Abia State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ABSACA), Dr. Uloaku Emma, expressed deep appreciation for the unwavering support of Governor Otti to the agency, describing his leadership as people-centered and health-driven. She called for continued public support for the Otti-led administration, noting that Abia State is experiencing renewed direction and measurable progress.

The Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Felix, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, jointly commended the courage, resilience, and strength of persons living with albinism, HIV/AIDS, and sickle cell disorder.

They advised beneficiaries to continue prioritizing their health, adhere strictly to medical advice, and take advantage of available government support systems, assuring them that the state remains committed to their wellbeing.

Also speaking, the Coordinator of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Abia State, Mrs. Rebecca Eze, the Chairman of the Albinism Association of Nigeria, Abia State Chapter, Mr. Enyinnaya Nwosu, and Miss Victoria, from the sickle cell warriors, all expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Otti for the intervention. They described the support as timely, impactful, and a clear demonstration of government empathy toward vulnerable populations.

The intervention reinforces the Abia State Government’s resolve to promote inclusive governance, strengthen social protection, and ensure that no vulnerable group is left behind.