I Am is an ongoing series by Chidera Muoka, in collaboration with photographer Niyi Okeowo, aimed at showcasing unique individuals – people who are plus-size, have tribal marks, albinos or have physical scars.
The aim of the series is to capture unique people in their most vulnerable form as they share their amazing stories.
For this episode, Coco Anetor-Sokei shares her story living as an Albino in Nigeria.
Chidera says:
Coco Anetor-Sokei is the reason I was motivated to do this project. My beautiful best girl is different. Being my first personal encounter with an albino, she showed me a lifestyle contrary to my previous beliefs (which was no belief asides ignorance).
My first encounter with Coco was at our previous job where she came on board as a sex and lifestyle writer for one of the many blogs that were operated at the office. We became fast friends, and I fell in love with the open, honest, sweet and downright crazy woman she is.
Recently, I get offended for the ‘oyibo’, ‘obobo’ and ‘afin’ jokes like I was the one it was directed at. It made me realise that this was the reality being albino has subjected her to all of her life. Even worse, she will continue to deal with this even though she has grown tougher skin.
‘I think the time when I really realised I was different was in secondary school, because that was when it was pretty obvious to me that I was an albino. That was when people would say stuff like, “ You’d have been finer if you were like….black.”
It is because of Coco that I believe people shouldn’t have to change how they look, rather the world needs to change the way they perceive things.
Watch below.
Read Also: “I am different” Jessica Gordon says in “I Am” series
The Urban Woman Magazine Editorial Team is made up of seasoned writers and editors who have a keen eye for detail and a passion for all things urban. We strive to create fresh, original content that appeals to the modern woman. Our mission is to provide a platform for women to share their stories, experiences and opinions on various issues affecting their lives.
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