The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly Rt. Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin and family has encouraged Sickle Cell patients not to allow the genetic disorder to hamper their lives struggle and ambition, but hopefully move on to achieve their aspirations in life.
Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin gave the admonition on Wednesday at the 2024 world International Sickle Cell Day programme held at the Theophilus Ogunlesi hall, University College Hospital, Ibadan.
Speaking on behalf of the Ogundoyin family, he said much support will be provided with a special pack consisting of essential drugs for the treatment of SCD, and they will be giving financial support to enhance their economic activities.
According to him, the awareness and sensitization on Sickle cell Anaemia became necessary adding that, the occasion was also aimed at commemorating their late father’s 33 years anniversary after his passage.
Hon. Ogundoyin who doubles as the Chairman, Nigeria Conference of Speakers of State Legislature, said the anniversary gave him mixed feelings, describing his late father as a fearless, courageous, and tenacious fighter who fought Sickle cell disease until his demise on June 18, 1991 at the age of 51.
“It is now 33 years that the music paused and we lost a precious gem, a shining star and a beacon of hope to the cold hands of death.
He recalled that on June,18 2024 on the sacred anniversary of his passing, they gathered in solemn reverence at the family vault in Eruwa, and surrounded by loved ones and esteemed spiritual leaders and lifted their prayers to the heavens, seeking eternal peace for the soul of their late father.
“We are therefore happy that in continuation of his 33rd anniversary, we are gathered here to commemorate the 2024 International Sickle Cell Day by raising awareness, providing drugs and empowering those affected by the deadly disease to honor his memory and a life of legacy he lived which has continued to inspire us.
“Just like every other Sickle Cell patient, my father struggled with the disease but he never lost hope. Though, I was young when he passed on to eternity at the age of 51, the sweet memories from my late mother and other family members, about his life and times as narrated by his friends, associates, religious and community leaders were full of legacies we cannot forget
“Despite the issues he had, he still recorded great achievements which we read in the dailies and magazines. His enduring legacies of compassion, community service and selflessness service and unwavering commitment to humanity have continued to illuminate our lives and make us proud.
“I must say that, his life was a demonstration of the power of hope and determination which all of us including those living with the disease must emulate and imbibe.
“As his children and family, we have resolved to continue his tireless support to the SCD community by supporting the awareness and advocacy on the disease as well as providing resources, drugs and access to healthcare services for Sickle Cell patients.
Hon. Ogundoyin said they hope to make a difference in their lives, create a brighter future for them and ultimately keep the memory and legacy of late Chief Adeseun Ayisa Ogundoyin constantly alive and fresh.
“Said he, Over 500 Sickle Cell patients who are here today will be further encouraged not to allow the genetic disorder to hamper their lives struggle and ambition. They will be provided with a special pack consisting of essential drugs for the treatment of SCD, and they will be giving financial support to enhance their economic activities.
“As a nation, we must rise up to the challenge posed by SCD because 70% of the world’s cases of the disease occur in Africa with Nigeria having the highest number of carriers worldwide.
“We need to come up with policies that will reduce the economic burden put on families by SCD patients who frequently visit hospitals and buy drugs for survival hence, they must have unhindered access to free healthcare services, drugs, genetic counseling, prenatal test and comprehensive medical care.
The Speaker urged NGO’s, religious institutions, traditional leaders and other stakeholders to increase awareness to put an end to stigmatisation against individuals and families affected with SCD, adding that, “We need to show them love and give them support, as state legislature, we will work with other arms of Government to pass laws that will protect the rights of Sickle Cell patients and improve their living conditions so that they can live meaningful, productive and fulfilling lives.
According to him, they are not just honoring their father’s memory, but the resilience of every individual who has fought against this disease, saying, “We celebrate the courage of those who have lost loved ones and the determination of those who continue to battle with the disease.
“Let us continue to raise our voices, to support one another, and to fight for a world where Sickle Cell Disease no longer define a person’s worth or potential.” Ogundoyin said.
Speaking, the deputy governor, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, who led other state cabinet members to the event described the late Eruwa born Business Mogul, politician, and philanthropist as a fearless and courageous man whose impacts on the sands of history can not be eroded as far as the state and nation is concerned.
He urged the family of the late Ogundoyin to continue to sustain the legacy their late father fought hard to build during his lifetime.
Some of the sickle cell patients who were at the event expressed appreciations to the Speaker for the donation describing it as a generous gesture that would go a long way to ameliorate one of their key challenges in managing the disease.
Present at the event are members of the state House of Assembly, traditional rulers, religious leaders, Non Governmental Organizations, students from various secondary schools and top officials of the state government.
Highlights of the event was the unveiling of a book titled ‘Beyond Passion’ written in memory of late Chief Adeseun Ogundoyin and donation of the sum of five million naira to Sickle Cell Hope Alive Foundation, a charity organization dedicated to voluntary treatment of sickle cell patients in the state.
