AN ADDRESS PRESENTED BY THE NATIONAL COORDINATOR OF THE ASSOCIATION OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH SICKLE CELL DISORDER ON THE FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT BY HIS EXCELLENCY MR PETER OBI TO THE SICKLE CELL ORPHANAGE AND UNDERPRIVILEGED HOME AGULU ON JULY 19TH 2021.

H.E. Mr Peter Obi CON

Ladies and Gentlemen.

This is a great day for persons living with sickle cell disease, under the umbrella of the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder. Today we have in our midst, a distinguished personality, whose name continues to reckon with admiration, respect and honour, both local and international.

Mr Peter Obi, as we all knew, is a man of immense public acceptance in civility, humility, charity, and an accomplished public servant whose eight years in office as governor of Anambra State, emancipated the State from the doldrums, into an economic boom with all social machineries working smoothly for the common good.

Mr Peter Obi is celebrating his 60th birthday anniversary today, and has decided to bring this pleasant celebration down to persons living with sickle cell disease, a noble and remarkable way that reflects his humane personality, as being concerned towards the well-being of the underprivileged.

As a worthy ambassador of charity, Peter Obi has succeded in writing his name in the book of life by imbibing the biblical admonition for wealthy men to always help the needy amongst them. The Association is quite optimistic that this visit by H.E. Peter Obi, would not be the last, and that more would follow in due course. Okwute, as an illustrious son of Agulu, with the most towering political and financial might, has many looking up to him for direction and source of inspiration. He has neither ignored nor betrayed that faith which is repose in him. His vast and direct investment in education, has won the State both international and domestic accolades, and continued unabated even after leaving office. A great number of educational institutions even beyond Anambra State where fortunate enough to have received this magnanimous infrastructural funding, which has strengthened both academic and moral fabrics for an excellent productivities in building leaders of tommorow.

Sickle Cell sensitization is an important educational subject that must be spread in every academic environment. We implore H.E. Peter Obi, to support the Association in this direction vis-a-vis our school visitations and radio programs that has a wider reach, with young adults being among our targeted audience. These exercise has succeded in changing their ignorant perceptions about the dangers of genotype incompatible relationships. If we fail to educate them now, the society would tomorrow bear the brunt of our negligence and suffer harsh consequences. We have also committed ourselves in having a monthly medical interactive session in this home where patients come to be informed by specialist doctors on modern ways in sickle cell management. Routine medical tests are also carried out to detect any dormant ailment that might pose a threat to life in future. Free drugs, food items etc are later disbursed to members to cushion the effects of economic difficulties.

The Association is also seeking to build a sickle cell community center, where we can adequately harbour and care for indigent sickle cell patients especially the orphaned, without having to completely rely on any government for support at every turn. Our space in this present accommodation is insufficient, and we wish for a piece of land to build structures like clinic, school, living quarters etc.

Okwute nd'Igbo, you are indeed God answered prayers to the less fortunate, and your indelible footprints is an attestation to this humanitarian calling. We pledge our support towards your endeavors and in every step that you take in the cause of salvaging our society. May God continue to guide and protect you as you put smiles in the face of the helpless and needy. Our kind regards also goes to your amiable wife Margret, whom many describe's as an epitome of intelligence, elegance, and resourcefulness.

Happy birthday to you sir, and may your celebration continue to inspire and bring hope to many of us.

Yours Sincerely,

Aisha Edward Maduagwu
National Coordinator
APLSCD.
07014152622