Religious and traditional leaders in Oyo State have jointly debunked long-standing myths linking persons with albinism to ritual practices, urging Nigerians to reject discrimination and embrace greater inclusion of persons living with the condition.

The leaders made the call during a one-day advocacy training organised by the Iretiola Albinism Unity Network (IAUN) in Ibadan, aimed at promoting social inclusion, reducing stigma and increasing awareness about the rights and wellbeing of persons with albinism and other disabilities.

The programme, held at DamJay Hotel and Suites, Agodi GRA, Ibadan, brought together religious leaders, traditional practitioners, community leaders and disability advocates to address misconceptions surrounding albinism and strengthen advocacy efforts against discrimination. The programme was moderated by Mr. Yusuf Olatunji.

Founder of IAUN, Ms Ifeoluwa Faniran, said the training was designed to empower community leaders and opinion moulders to become advocates for inclusion and acceptance of persons with albinism.
According to her, despite growing awareness, many persons with albinism still face social exclusion, discrimination and harmful stereotypes rooted in ignorance and misinformation.

“We are holding this training to create awareness for community and social inclusion. It is against this background that we are inviting community leaders and opinion moulders to become advocates, our eyes and ambassadors in carrying the message of social inclusion to society,” she said.

Faniran urged Nigerians to show love and support to persons with albinism, noting that they deserve equal opportunities to contribute meaningfully to society.
She also challenged religious and traditional leaders to help dispel the widespread belief that persons with albinism can be used for money rituals.

“There is this belief that albinos are useful for money rituals. I want to ask traditional adherents and religious leaders whether it is true that albinos are meant for money rituals,” she said.
Responding, a Zonal Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Adesina Fasasi, dismissed the claim as false and lacking any religious foundation.

“It is not written anywhere in the Bible that albinos can be used for money rituals. Albinos are creatures of God. Everything created by God is good and beautiful. We should not discriminate against them. Rather, we should embrace them,” he said.

Also speaking, RCCG Area Pastor, Mrs Fadesola Adelani, appealed to faith-based organisations to actively promote acceptance and inclusion of persons with albinism.

“We want to appeal to churches not to discriminate against albinos. We must embrace them in our churches and communities. They are the handiwork of God and should be treated with dignity and respect,” she said.

Adding an Islamic perspective, the Chief Imam of Apapa, Moniya, Oyo State, Alhaji Waheed Oreola, stressed that differences in skin colour were part of God’s creation and should never be used as a basis for discrimination.

“God creates human beings in different colours and forms. In churches and mosques, we are one. We should not run away from persons with albinism. Religious leaders must continue to preach love, acceptance and inclusion,” he said.
Also, the Chairman of the National Association of Herbal Medicine, Oloye Abdulfatai Ayedun, strongly rejected claims that traditional religion supports the use of persons with albinism for rituals or sacrifices.

“There is no traditional doctrine of ‘Ifa’ that says albinos should be used for sacrifices. Anyone attempting to use albinos for rituals should be arrested because such people are criminals. They are wicked, evil and murderers and should be treated as such,” he declared.

The advocacy programme also featured expert presentations on disability rights and inclusion.
One of the facilitators, Ms. Oluwakemi Odusanya, who spoke on understanding disability inclusion and albinism, highlighted the numerous barriers faced by persons with disabilities, including social stigma, exclusion from opportunities and limited access to essential services.

Another facilitator, Mr. Theophilus Daodu, reminded participants that discrimination against persons with disabilities, including those with albinism, violates existing laws and undermines human dignity.
“Discrimination against persons with disabilities is against the law. It demeans them and limits their opportunities. People should shun every culture and behaviour that promotes discrimination against albinos,” he said.

Participants at the training called for sustained public enlightenment campaigns, stronger enforcement of disability rights laws and greater involvement of religious and community leaders in challenging harmful myths and stereotypes.
They noted that while awareness about albinism has improved over the years, many persons with the condition still face prejudice, social exclusion and threats to their safety due to persistent misconceptions.

The stakeholders therefore urged government agencies, civil society organisations and traditional institutions to work together in promoting inclusion, protecting the rights of persons with albinism and ensuring they are treated as equal members of society.