Video: Akwa Ibom gov opens up on facing ridicule for being albino
Abdullateef Fowewe
Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has revealed the challenges he endured during his 2023 gubernatorial campaign due to his albinism, a genetic condition marked by lack of pigmentation in skin, hair, and eyes.
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Speaking candidly in a video shared on X, Governor Eno recounted how opponents and critics used his condition to ridicule and reject him politically.
“Albinos are a golden people, and they have a golden governor,” he declared, emphasizing both pride and resilience. He recalled the harsh words he faced, saying, “When we started this campaign, some people who did not have what to say, they said they did not want an albino governor. Do you remember?”
Highlighting the solidarity and support from his family, Governor Eno shared, “Then my dear wife came out and said to them, you may be an albino, but to me, you are my golden boy.”
He also spoke of the wider social stigma albinos often face noting, 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 one of any of them, I must recognise them.”
