As part of activities marking the 2025 World Sickle Cell Day, the Young Progressives Party (YPP) governorship candidate for the upcoming Anambra State election, Sir Paul Chukwuma, has made a strong call for collective action against sickle cell disorder.
In a significant gesture of support, Sir Chukwuma donated a brand-new ambulance to the Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home in Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area.
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Represented at the event by his running mate, Chief Uzu Okagbue, Sir Chukwuma emphasised the importance of sustained public awareness and genotype education in preventing the disease.
“To stop sickle cell, we must jointly stamp out the scourge of ignorance that enables parents to have children without knowing their genotype,” Chukwuma said.
“It is not a death sentence. It is simply one of life’s challenges—and we can and must end it.”
Chukwuma shared a personal connection to the cause, recalling the painful loss of his brother, Hyginus Chidalu Chukwuma, to sickle cell anaemia.
He called on communities, faith-based organisations, and individuals to work together to eliminate the disease.
Chief Okagbue, echoing similar sentiments, recounted the loss of his own brother, Sunday Okoye, to the same condition.
“This is more than a cause. It is a personal mission,” he said.
“We must go beyond philanthropy. We must ensure these children live fully, and I’m convinced we can end the sickle cell scourge in our lifetime.”
The ambulance was formally commissioned by former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, represented by Mr Valentine Obienyem.
Director of the Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home, Aisha Edward Maduagwu, expressed profound gratitude to Sir Chukwuma for his “consistent generosity and unwavering support.”
She also acknowledged the contributions of Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo, for their continued assistance to the centre.
The event drew attendance from notable political and community figures, including Hon. Ralph Okeke, Chief Mike Ejezie, Chief Jude Osude, and Mr Valentine Ozigbo, former Managing Director of Transcorp Holdings.
World Sickle Cell Day, observed annually on 19 June, was established by the United Nations to raise global awareness about the disease, particularly in low-resource settings.
This year’s observance in Anambra was marked by personal testimonies, renewed commitments, and tangible interventions, reinforcing the call to action to eradicate sickle cell disorder in Nigeria.