Nigeria – Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Wife Rallies Support for Sickle Cell Patients

By Onoja Baba, Lagos, Nigeria

Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the wife of Lagos State Governor, has called for a concerted effort from stakeholders to support those living with sickle cell disease, enabling them to lead more fulfilling lives.

Speaking on Saturday at the Grand Finale of the “Project Empower a Warrior 3.0” initiative, organized by the Crimson Bow Sickle Cell Initiative, over 250 sickle cell patients were empowered with various skills and financial grants.

The event, themed “Health and Wealth: Balancing Entrepreneurship in Sickle Cell,” focused on equipping patients to navigate economic challenges while managing their health.

Representing the Governor’s wife, Mrs. Toyin Suarau praised the NGO’s commitment to empowering individuals with sickle cell disease, offering both financial support and mentorship to help them thrive.

She emphasized the need for a multi-sectoral collaboration to ensure better lives for those affected by the genetic disorder, noting the emotional and economic toll it takes on families.

“It is crucial that we work together—governments, NGOs, individuals, and healthcare providers—to support those with sickle cell disease,” said Sanwo-Olu.

She also highlighted the alignment of this initiative with the Lagos State Government’s THEMES PLUS agenda, which emphasizes mental, medical, and economic support for vulnerable individuals.

Mrs. Feyisayo Alayande, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), reassured the participants that there are programs available to help them become economically self-sufficient. “We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams, irrespective of health challenges,” she said.

Professor Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, echoed the government’s commitment to supporting sickle cell patients. Represented by Dr. Bodunrin Osikomaiya, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Services, Abayomi shared that over 1,000 units of blood were provided to patients in crisis moments.

Miss Timi Edwin, CEO of Crimson Bow and a sickle cell warrior herself, shared that the program aimed to empower patients with entrepreneurial skills such as photography, catering, and graphic design.

Several participants were also given grants to help launch or expand their businesses, with N500,000 awarded to the winner of a business pitch competition.

Edwin urged for stronger healthcare infrastructure and more awareness around sickle cell disease, advocating for newborn screening and increased research funding. Panelists, all living with sickle cell, emphasized perseverance and health management as key to balancing life’s challenges with their condition.

One of the beneficiaries, Ms. Adedayo Olugbade, expressed gratitude for the N500,000 award, stating it would help boost her skincare business. Other beneficiaries, such as Mrs. Abiola Adekunle and Miss Basirat Adeyemi, were equally overwhelmed by the support they received, expressing hope for their future business ventures.