By: Erewunmi Peace

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has opened up about the ridicule and discrimination he faced due to his albinism during his 2023 governorship campaign.

Speaking in a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), the governor narrated how his skin condition was used against him by political opponents during the heated campaign period.

“When we started this campaign, some people who did not have what to say, said they did not want an albino governor. Do you remember? Then my dear wife came out and said to them, ‘You may be an albino, but to me, you are my golden boy,’” Eno recalled.

The governor described the experience as challenging but expressed gratitude for overcoming the stigma. He added that people living with albinism are often subjected to body-shaming, name-calling, and denied opportunities.

“They would not give us a chance in the past. They would body shame us. They would call us names. They would not let us come to the public. But today, God has brought us out. So anywhere I see any of them, I must recognize them,” he said.

Umo Eno, who is passionate about creating awareness on albinism, also shared what it was like growing up with the condition.

“Growing up with albinism wasn’t easy; I faced bullying, body shaming, and rejection. But today, by God’s grace, I stand proudly,” he wrote.

The governor honored children living with albinism and encouraged them to see themselves as special and unique.

Albinism is an inherited genetic condition that results in a lack of melanin pigmentation in the skin, hair, and eyes, often leading to vision problems and a pale skin tone.