World Sickle Cell Day: Bishop Ezeokafor makes case for patients, as Ezeajughi, Okunna, others join celebration

Every 19th June is officially designated as world sickle cell awareness day.

It’s an international day set aside to increase public knowledge and understanding on sickle cell disease, which was part of the resolutions made by the United Nations General Assembly in December 22, 2008.

This year’s commemoration of the annual event with the theme, “Harnessing Media Strength to Promote Effective Sickle Cell Awareness,” by the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder, was held at Madonna Assumpta Catholic Church Agulu, with His Lordship, Most Rev Dr Paulinus Ezeokafor in attendance to declare the event open.

Dignitaries who graced the occasion includes, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi; Prof Stella Okunna, Guest Speaker and H.E. Peter Obi Representative; Ide Agulu, Chief Dan Ogbuefi; Hon Obiadi, APGA Chairman Anaocha LGA, representing Hon Ferdinand Dozie Nwankwo; Hon Eric Maduagwu, representing the PG Agulu People’s Union; Mr Valentine Obienyem; Mr Emeka Odogwu, Chairman NUJ Anambra State Council, among others.

Bishop Ezeokafor, while delivering his homily called on the congregation and people across the nation to take genotype education seriously.

He reemphasized the importance of marriage counseling in the church and ask couples to submit themselves to premarital screening for a valid genotype certificate.

He bemoaned the fate of some sickle cell children who are neglected and left to wallow in the sufferings which is not their own making.

His lordship went further to make a passionate appeal for assistance to the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder, to cover various areas of their emergency health management. Bishop Ezeokafor was highly instrumental in bringing to fruition the passage and accent of the Anambra State Sickle Cell Disease (Control and Eradication) Law, 2019, while also donating food items and other material support to the Association to cushion the sad economic plights most Nigerians are facing.

His Lordship also used the opportunity to sensitize the congregation on the need to get their Permanent Voters Card so that collectively we can elect the right candidate in the forth coming presidential election, and save the country from an impending doom.

He appreciated the humongous philanthropy of H.E. Peter Obi, both within and outside the State even when he had left office.

They fully equipped and furnished dormitory of the sickle cell orphanage home is named in honor of Peter Obi, who donated 2million naira to that effect in series of events marking his birthday last year.

“I am not saying this because I am celebrating mass in Agulu, but because there is an urgent need for things to change and start working well in this country, the issues of insecurity, inflation, corruption etc would be a thing of the past when the right person assumes control.

If you look clearly at the lists of candidates coming out for the election, you will know the serious ones by the fruits of their labour, Nigeria needs a sharp and intelligent mind as president, we must never return to the status quo of thievery.

Delivering her keynote address and goodwill from H.E. Peter Obi, Prof Stella Okunna, whom members of the Association refer to as mother, encouraged sickle cell persons to be of good cheer and not to despair. As a communication expert and media strategist of international repute, Prof Okunna re-awakened the need to properly harness the strength of localized means of public announcement like the town crier.

Rural people who have no access to both electronic and print media, nor the technologies of cell phones, should be reached through a public address medium in the local way, if town criers are engaged to move from one corner of a village to the other, around market squares and common places of convergence for recreation, this genotype education would penetrate deeply into the minds of people, literates and non- literates.”* Prof Okunna said.

She reminded persons living with sickle cell disease to remain prayerful and vote for leaders that would ensure their survival.

As the representative of H.E. Peter Obi, Okunna extended Obi’s goodwill and donation to the Association.

She also donated in her own capacity a diesel-powered grinding machine for use in the vocational center of the Association.

Prof Stella Okunna is an all weather benefactress of the Association, she is kind and unassuming, humble, energetic with a fierce tenacity for intellectual values.

She is the first female professor of mass communication in Sub- Saharan Africa, and holds many titles and accolades to her honour.

In his own submission, the former Mayor of London Borough of Brent, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, recounted the many challenges sickle cell disease posed to Africa.

He took sickle cell eradication as pet project when newly elected as Mayor.

“My tenure as Mayor brought sickle cell sensitization to the fore in most developing countries, and I extended some humanitarian gestures to those in need and underprivileged, particularly sickle cell children.

Ernest Ezeajughi paid his first visit to the sickle cell orphanage and underprivileged home Agulu in 2021, just few weeks to his exist as Mayor of London Borough of Brent This was after the home named it’s counselling department after him in recognition of his untiring efforts.

Ezeajughi while speaking at the occasion, also promised to interface between the administration and the Association to promote a viable framework that will control the births of sickle cell children.

Ezeajughi observed that the task at hand is too enormous for the Association alone, but requiring a collective responsibility.

“You know that I took this sickle cell project heartily when I became a mayor in London, now that I am closer to you in Anambra State and part of the solution government, I will ensure that your yearnings and aspirations are looked into, I will not abandon you people now because home they say is where one starts from, we would possibly work on a two pronged approach, sensitization and economic support.”

Other contributors who spoke at the event includes the representative of the President General of Agulu People’s Union, Chief Oliver Afamefuna, ably represented by Hon Eric Maduagwu promised to work out modalities for the speedy implementations of the sickle cell law in Agulu town, while promising to liaise with his counterparts at the Anambra State Association of Town Unions, in order to inculcate the law into their agenda. Ide Agulu, Chief Dan Ogbuefi spoke glowingly about the humanitarian aspect of the Association and promised to key into some of it’s projects for the betterment of humanity.

He subsequently made a donation for sickle cell orphans for their healthcare and general well-being.

Hon Dozie Nwankwo, member representing Anaocha, Dunukofia and Njikoka federal constituency, who was ably represented at the occasion, wished all sickle cell persons a happy day celebration.

He encouraged researchers and scientists around the globe working tirelessly for a permanent cure on sickle cell to remain hopeful, while noting the importance of sensitization as the only remedy to combat the disease now. He further said that his Ferdinand Dozie Nwankwo Foundation, would continue to empower the underprivileged, particularly persons living with sickle cell disease to lead a more purposeful life. He thanked Bishop Ezeokafor for coming to Anaocha LGA to celebrate the day, and also made a donation to assist in the welfare of sickle cell persons.

Dr. Emeka Odogwu, Chairmam NUJ Anambra State Council, said he was optimistic that the media would take the message of genotype education to the remotest part of the State and beyond.

“Constructively, Anambra media space would be awash with genotype education and sickle cell awareness in order to keep our healthcare free from the constant nagging of sickle cell crisis, and put a stop to bringing forth children who suffer pains till death.”

Mr Valentine Obienyem, an entrepreneur and media aide to H.E. Peter Obi, opined that with the right persuasions, couples will voluntary submit to premarital screening. He promised his continuous support to the Association, as he had earlier donated some cartons of drinks to make the occasion a memorable one.

The Association is grateful to all those who have been supportive and contributing to the sickle cell cause and the orphanage home. The lists are endless and inexhaustible, but some people are worthy to be mentioned here.

Sir Eric Okoye, Juel Gas and Pharmaceuticals. For his benevolence in rendering free cooking gas supply to the sickle cell orphanage and underprivileged home. The home would have been heavily burdened financially if it where to pay for its gas, considering how gas prices continue to skyrocket these days.

Sir Paul Chukwuma, (Onyechinazo) Former National Auditor of APC. A gentleman of high repute and an internationally renowned information technology expert. He is always with a listening ear to attend to the various needs of the Association. Once donated a chest freezer and a life cow to boost the protein intake of sickle cell children in the Orphanage home. Very amiable with a garb of humility that easily attracts people around him.

Chief Uche Amalumazi, Business guru and philanthropist. This great son of Agulu is symbolic with altruism. Always ready to assist, he paid all the school fees of some indigent sickle cell children and the money was disbursed to them in the full glare of the public at the World Sickle Cell Awareness Day.

Barr Ibeneme, MD Chibe Bakery Agulu. His constant free supply of Chibe bread to the sickle cell home has endeared him to the children who continue to enjoy the daily nutritional values of his confectionery.

UPAD and Agulu Youth Movement, Port Harcourt branch. For their kind assistance in bringing smiles to the faces of sickle cell children. Their indefatigable and respective chairmen and exco have large hearts that oozes milk of human kindness.

Categorically, Sickle cell eradication demands more than we could ever muster. Our time, finances, intellect, etc should all play a pivotal role if we ever dreamt of making any leeway to rid our society from the frustrating pangs of sickle cell disease. No amount of sacrifice is small or insignificant, and certainly non is equally enough. The National Coordinator and the entire members of Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder, holds you all in higher regards.

Thank you for your wonderful partnership and remain under God enduring and lasting favour.

Edozie Maduagwu,

Directorate of Strategic Communications, APLSCD