Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has revealed that he was ridiculed and rejected because of his albinism during the build-up to the 2023 governorship election.
Eno, who spoke in a video shared on his verified X handle on Thursday, said his skin condition was weaponised by political opponents to discredit him and dampen his chances at the polls.
“Some people who had nothing else to say told the world that they did not want an albino governor. But my wife stood by me and said, ‘To me, you are my golden boy,’” Eno recalled.
The governor, who dedicated part of his message to honour children and persons living with albinism, stressed that the condition should never be a ground for discrimination.
“Albinos are a golden people, and they have a golden governor. Growing up with albinism wasn’t easy; I faced bullying, body shaming and rejection. But today, by God’s grace, I stand proudly,” he said.
Eno lamented that people living with the condition have long been stigmatised and denied opportunities in society.
“They would not give us a chance in the past. They would body-shame us and call us names. They would not let us come to the public. But today, God has brought us out. Anywhere I see one of them, I must recognise them,” he added.
The governor vowed to continue to use his position to amplify awareness, support, and acceptance for people with albinism, urging society to see them as capable and equal citizens rather than objects of pity.
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