His Marvellous Grace Support Foundation (HMGSF) was honoured to collaborate with Kids & Teens Resource Centre and several partner organisations to host a special 2026 Children’s Day celebration for children living with albinism in Benue State.
Held at Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi, the event created a safe and joyful environment where children with albinism were celebrated through games, music, dancing, and recreational activities alongside parents, caregivers, advocates, and community stakeholders.
The initiative served as an important platform to promote inclusion, challenge stigma, and strengthen community support for children living with albinism. It also highlighted the power of collaboration among civil society organisations working to advance dignity, visibility, and equal opportunities for vulnerable groups.
HMGSF appreciates all partners, volunteers, and supporters whose contributions made the event a success. Together, we are building communities where every child is seen, valued, and celebrated
Laughter, music, and dancing filled the Aper Aku Stadium on Children’s Day 2026, as the Kids & Teens Resource Centre, alongside over a dozen partner organizations, hosted a historic celebration for children living with albinism in Benue State.
More than 25 children with albinism, joined by their parents, caregivers, adult advocates, and representatives from various NGOs and support groups, gathered for a day dedicated not just to fun, but to visibility, inclusion, and love. The event transformed the stadium into a vibrant carnival of games, singing, dance competitions, and other recreational activities. Refreshments flowed freely, creating what attendees described as “a truly joyful and friendly atmosphere.”
“This is more than a party. It is a statement that our children matter,” said Jacinta Igwilo, Chairperson of the Benue State Association of Persons with Albinism. “For too long, children with albinism have faced stigma and isolation. Today has shown them that they belong. This is the first time these children will be celebrated in this magnitude.”
The celebration received widespread praise from participants and guests alike, many noting it as a rare public recognition of children often overlooked in social events. Beyond the fun, organizers emphasized the event’s deeper mission: promoting awareness, challenging myths about albinism, and building a support network for affected families across Benue State.
Earlier in the day, the event received a significant boost when Mr. Theophilus Sambe, a radio presenter with private station Brothers FM 90.5, aired and promoted the celebration. In an interview with Martin-Mary, Sambe discussed the importance of celebrating all children, especially those with disabilities. He also spoke passionately about positive parenting, urging parents to “desist from punishing their children and wards, rather discipline them with love.”
The success of the event was powered by a broad coalition of partners, including His Marvellous Grace Support Foundation (HMGSF) UK, Global Center for Humanitarian & Social Development (GCHSD), Spring of Hope for the Girl Child Development Initiative (SHOGDI), Discovery, Development & Impact Guide Initiative (DDIGI), Dooshai Save Benue Youth Foundation, Association of Women Living with HIV in Nigeria (ASHWAN) Benue, Onah Adeyi International Disability Centre (OAIDC), Association of Positive Youths In Nigeria (APYIN), and Pick-Up Initiative.
As Nigeria marked Children’s Day 2026, Makurdi’s celebration stood out as a model of inclusive community action, proving that when organizations unite, every child can shine.
