Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has called for greater acceptance, understanding and inclusion of people living with vitiligo, urging society to reject stigma and discrimination based on skin appearance.
Speaking in a message to mark World Vitiligo Day on Thursday in Awka, Soludo said the annual observance provided an opportunity to celebrate diversity and reaffirm the dignity and worth of every individual.
“We are observing World Vitiligo Day today to celebrate the beauty of diversity and stand against stigma and discrimination,” she said.
According to her, every individual deserves respect and equal opportunities regardless of differences in skin appearance.
“Every skin deserves pride and respect. Every skin tells a unique story, and every person deserves dignity, acceptance and equal opportunity to thrive,” she stated.
Soludo emphasised the need to deepen public awareness about vitiligo and promote a culture of empathy and acceptance for those living with the condition.
She urged members of the public to embrace kindness, understanding and inclusion, noting that diversity should be celebrated rather than feared.
“It is time for society to encourage understanding, kindness and inclusion for all persons, irrespective of their differences.
“There is an element of pride in every skin,” she added.
World Vitiligo Day is observed annually on June 25 to raise awareness about vitiligo, a long-term skin condition that causes loss of pigmentation in patches of the skin, and to advocate for the rights, wellbeing and social inclusion of people affected by the condition.
The theme for the 2026 commemoration is “From Stigma to Strength.”
