by Rachel Ogbu

More than N12 million has been spent on sunscreen and other assorted cosmetics for albinos in Jigawa state, the state government has disclosed.

The Executive Secretary of the Jigawa Rehabilitation Board, Ibrahim Rabakaya, told news agencies that in the past six years, 100 albinos have benefitted from the programme.

On Thursday, Rabakaya speaking in Duste, said the government was committed to protecting them from the rays of the sun and help them avoid skin diseases.

“It is a deliberate policy design to improve the socio-economic well-being of persons with albinism.”

[READ: Just wicked: Albino boy’s hand hacked off for witchcraft]

According to reports, Rabakaya said that the board had also trained albinos on various trades under its skills acquisition programmes to enable them be self-reliant and the programme would encourage them establish businesses of their own and help in the growth of the society.