The governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has recounted his struggles growing up with albinism, narrating how he was bullied, body-shamed, and rejected before rising to public office.
The governor, who opened up in an event organised for people with albinism in Akwa Ibom State, narrated the discrimination he endured and how so many people doubted his leadership qualities because of his skin condition.
“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,” he said.
The governor recalled how his wife gave him strength and called him her “golden boy” when people criticised him during his election campaigns.
He pledged continued support for people living with the condition, stressing that his emergence as governor had overturned negative labels.
“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 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,” Governor Eno stated.
