Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has opened up about his struggles growing up with albinism, recalling years of bullying, body-shaming, and rejection before rising to public office.

Speaking at an event organised for people with albinism, the governor reflected on the discrimination he endured and how it nearly cost him a political career, with many doubting his chances of leadership 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.

Eno recalled how, during his campaign, some critics rejected him solely on account of his looks.

He noted, however, that his wife gave him strength through those difficult times, always calling him her “golden boy.”

“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,’” he recounted.

The governor, who Is Nigeria’s first leader with albinism, pledged continued support for people living with the condition, stressing that negative labels had been overturned by his emergence.

“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,” he said. (Nigerian Tribune)