Uri Ngozichukwuka, the resolute
and articulate crusader advocate for inclusion of people with disabilities, is
one of Nigeria’s most prolific campaigners for the rights of people with
albinism, the often-misunderstood, inherited condition characterized by
abnormally light skin, eyes, and hair, limited vision, and extreme sensitivity
to the sun.
Uri Ngozichukwuka has been
helping Nigerians with disabilities through her foundation, Empathy-Driven
Women Initiative International (EDWIIN), a leading Nigerian non-governmental
organization, with evidence of immeasurable impacts in Nigeria’s course of
equal treatment of People Living With Disability, PLWDs
This year, the foundation focuses
on people with albinism, and educate the people with the condition get an
education, protect themselves from harmful ultraviolet rays, and fight
pervasive myths and stigmas, including false beliefs, propagated by rogue witch
doctors, that albino body parts can bring good luck or fortune.
Over the last decade, these
superstitions have led to a wave of grisly albino killings, dismemberments, and
even grave robberies. At least over 100 Nigerian albinos have been murdered,
while others have survived attacks, often with severe mutilations.
She convened over 500 people with
albinism, on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at the Palms Mall in Lekki, Lagos for
the third episode of the annual EDWINUVCARE, a movement that focus on the
advocacy for wholesome inclusion of Nigerians with disabilities, and embracing
all forms of physical imperfections that may be tagged as odd.
This year’s program also raised
the public awareness about the new Disability Act that was signed by President
Muhammadu Buhari on the 23rd of January, 2019.
Speaking at the event, Professor
Fabamwo, a renowned Obstetrician and Gynacologist, and the Chief Medical
Director LASUTH, discussed “The disabled, the law, his health”.
The medical expert, discussed the
need to educate locals on albinism’s causes, debunk its many stigmas, and promote
the well-being of the albino community, has already touched on the condition’s
genetics, the recent attacks, and the many dehumanizing myths.
He also highlights policies and
acts that have been passed and formulated by the Federal Government and the State
to credit ample of preference for the people with disabilities at the state and
federal level
He sighted that the key provision
of this Act is that Persons with Disability are entitled to free medical care
in every government-owned medical facility in Nigeria. Sadly, though, this key
Provision has so far been observed only in the breach, as many Persons with
Disability have been unable to access medical attention at these facilities
without having to pay huge sums of money. He however, educated the participants
on the procedure to benefit from the provisions.
He sighted cases of popular
legends who were born with Disabilities but lived exemplary lives and became
part of world history, sighting cases of Frida, Hobert Newton, Stevie Wonder
and so on.
EDWIIN had in March, 2018
organized a Medical Fair of this kind to mark the 2018 International Year for
Women. Then, as now, it enjoyed the active cooperation of the Lekki Palms
management, which not only provided the venue, but also supported the event on
many levels.
During the medical fair, EDWIIN
provided special glasses and other aids to Persons Living with Albinism.
Mrs. Angela Emuwa, the current
President of the Autism Parents Association of Nigeria, and Executive Director
of the Punch Group of Newspapers, who serves as the Chairperson of the Day. I
believe that people with disabilities are nor well recognized in the society,
and I want that to change. I bekieve we are all the sane before God.
“I have a son with autism and I
know what it’s like, but I don’t allow anybody to intimidate me, I just go out
there and make sure that he’s accepted wherever he goes. So I love to associate
with this kind of this because I believe that we need to wake up to the fact
that people are different, so we all have to accept and understand our
difference.
“While she commended the
government for the approved disability act, she urged the general public to
consider people with disability as human and to embrace them. This venture will
make people realize we are all one, and I expect that this program will
increase the awareness.
The annual event has in the past
years enjoy the selfless support of The Palms Lekki, which has been making
provision for venue for the EDWIIN programs
Unilever also supported with
products which are made available for all participants
Zenith Bank provided glasses for
PLWDs who have sight challenges, umbrellas sunscreens Omanama fabrics for
runway, and Essenza beauty box for makeup.
Other sponsors include, Punch,
Vanguard, The eye doctors TED, Dermatology Society Of Lagos
LASODA, Albinism Awareness
Society, and LASUTECH
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