Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State on Friday spoke up on the discrimination and body shaming he suffered group up as an albino, declaring his resolve to honour and recognise persons with albinism.
Reminiscing on his trajectory of bullying, body-shaming and rejection, Pastor Eno gave gratitude to God that today, he stands proudly as the first governor with albinism.
Newsmata.com.ng reports that Governor Eno recounted his struggles during an event organised for people with albinism where he disclosed how so many people doubted his chances in politics just because of his skin condition.
Sharing how his late wife stood by him during the difficult times, describing him as her “golden boy”, the governor noted that the negative labels and discrimination that once kept him from public recognition have now been overturned, as he stands as the first governor in the country with albinism.
According to Pastor Eno, “Growing up with albinism wasn’t easy. I faced bullying, body-shaming, and rejection. But today, by God’s grace, I stand proudly. That’s why whenever I see anyone with this skin condition, I make it a point to honour and recognise them.
“They are golden people, and they have a golden governor.
“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 up and said to them, ‘You may be an albino, but to me, you are my golden boy.’
“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 anyone with albinism, I must recognise them.”