For years, Nigeria’s beauty pageant industry has largely focused on traditional ideals of beauty. But at the Albinism Advocacy Pageant in Lagos, the spotlight is on diversity, with a mission to challenge and defeat the stigma, changing perceptions about albinism.
Albinism, a genetic condition that affects the skin, hair, and eyes, remains one of the most misunderstood conditions across Nigeria.
Deep rooted cultural myths and harmful superstitions often bring up discrimination, leaving many people with albinism shut out of schools, workplaces, and social circles, and in some cases, exposed to violence.
The newly crowned queen, Anita Chidiebube-Dike, says she plans to use her platform to create awareness and promote inclusion.
“My first priority is to create engaging content that will highlight the strength and positive impact of persons with albinism in our society,” she said.
According to Tolani Ojuri, Chairperson of the Albinism Association of Nigeria, this kind of advocacy is long overdue.
