General News
Sickle Cell disorder not death sentence, says SCFN
The National Director, Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN), Dr Annette Akinsete, has urged persons with Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD) to live meaningful lives because it is not “a death sentence”.
She spoke during a sensitisation and awareness campaign organised by the Coalition of Sickle Cell NGOs under “The Red Umbrella Walk for Sickle Cell Disorder’’ campaign.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the awareness campaign has as its theme: “The Power of Hope: Step Up for Sickle Cell’’.
She said: “Here, we have not just Sickle Cell Foundation of Nigeria, we have other NGOs, and what we have done is bring them all under one umbrella to have what we call ‘The Coalition of Sickle Cell NGOs.
“ Some member NGOs of the coalition included Crimson Bow Sickle Cell Initiative, SAMI Sickle Cell Management Initiative, Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria, others.
“We want to speak with one voice to carry the information to the people that Sickle Cell is not a death sentence.
“It always used to be thought of as an incurable disease, but nowadays, we know that persons with SCD are living longer for decades. We had a female carrier who died at the age of 94.
“As long as Sickle Cell carriers are properly treated and properly managed, they can live long productive lives.
“ The walk on Saturday was a precursor to ‘World Sickle Cell Day’ , marked annually on June 19 and it held simultaneously in Lagos, Warri, Benin, Ilorin and other states in Nigeria.’’
See also NGOs partner to train students on health emergency response
According to the Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, Sickle Cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder. That means it is passed down from a parent’s genes. It causes the body to make abnormal haemoglobin.
“Haemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to all parts of your body. When you have SCD, your body’s tissues and organs don’t get enough oxygen.
“Healthy red blood cells are round and move easily all over the body. With SCD, the red blood cells are hard and sticky. They are shaped like the letter C (and like a farm tool called a sickle).
“These damaged red blood cells (sickle cells) clump together. They can’t move easily through the blood vessels. They get stuck in small blood vessels and block blood flow.
“This blockage stops the movement of healthy oxygen-rich blood. This blockage can cause pain. It can also damage major organs,” the News Agency of Nigeria reports.
To avoid bearing children with sickle cell disorder, Akinsete encouraged people to go for genetic counselling and testing in order to know their genotype; whether they are AA, AS or SS.
“We counsel young people to know their genotype early enough before they begin to date or plan for marriage or begin to have a family of their own.
“Sickle Cell is a genetic disorder, so couples need to know how it’s inherited and how to avoid it,” she said.
On the treatment and management, Akinsete said the treatment and management were quite expensive as carriers had to be on medications every day of their lives.
“Sickle Cell carriers need basic medications like Folic Acid, Hydroxyurea and malaria prevention medications daily. These medications help to prevent crises in patients.
“However, there are now experimental medications such as Arbutamine, which, in the past, patients couldn’t access, but are now accessible through clinical trials,” Akinsete said
She advised patients to eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, avoid excessive exercise as well as avoid excessive cold and heat in order to avoid the crisis.
Also, Mrs Toyin Adesola, Executive Director of Sickle Cell Advocacy And Management Initiative and Chairperson of Coalition of Sickle Cell NGOs, said that sickle cell disease was a major public health concern in Nigeria.
She said Nigeria had one of the highest burdens of sickle cell disease in the world, with a significant portion of the population carrying the sickle cell trait.
“It is estimated that over 150,000 children are born with sickle cell disease in Nigeria each year, making it the highest number of newborns affected by the condition in any country.
“This event holds immense significance as we come together to raise awareness about sickle cell disease and advocate for better healthcare and support for individuals living with this condition.
“It is a testament to our commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by sickle cell disorder.
“Today, we stand here with our red umbrellas held high, symbolising unity and protection for those who face the daily challenges of sickle cell disease.
“Each step we take represents a step towards progress, hope, and empowerment.
“Our united presence sends a powerful message to the world—that we are here, visible, and demand change’’
“Through this Red Umbrella Walk, the 7th edition, we strive to educate the public about the realities individuals faced with sickle cell disease.
“We aim to break the stigma surrounding this condition and foster community among patients, their families, and the wider society.
“We will shatter misconceptions and build a more inclusive and supportive environment,’’ she said.
(NAN)
At a solemn ordination service in Abuja, senior church leaders have called on pastors to make the well-being of their congregations a top priority, following the example of Jesus Christ.
Speaking during the priesthood ordination and installation of a Sub Dean at the Cathedral Church of Advent, Life Camp, Abuja, the retired Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Okene, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Ajulo, described pastors as shepherds charged with the care of their flock. He urged them to shun worldly distractions and focus on meeting the spiritual and material needs of their members.
Bishop Ajulo also encouraged the newly ordained priests to remain faithful to their calling by teaching God’s word without compromise.
In his charge, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, urged the new clergy to preach the undiluted gospel and foster religious harmony wherever they serve. He expressed confidence that their new roles would help promote peace and unity in society.
The service also featured prayers for national leaders and divine intervention in addressing the current global economic challenges.
In a dramatic show of faith and patriotism, over 1,000 fiery prayer warriors from across Nigeria will descend on Ilorin, Kwara State, this Saturday, lifting their voices in intense intercession for President Bola Tinubu’s success and Nigeria’s survival in the face of biting economic woes and mounting insecurity.
The spiritual siege, themed “Walking in Domini”, is the maiden convention of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), with its Kwara State Chairman, Evangelist Thomas Adeboye, vowing that “heaven will hear and respond to Nigeria’s cry.”
Aside from marathon prayers, the gathering will roll out free medical outreach to locals across Kwara’s LGAs, a gesture aimed at touching both body and soul.
Adeboye, lamenting Nigeria’s “troubling economic and security realities”, called for a nationwide prayer uprising, insisting that Tinubu has shown the will to revive the nation but needs massive divine backing to succeed.
“Banditry, a collapsing economy, and political tension demand we seek God’s face like never before,” he declared. “We will storm heaven for wisdom for the President and governors to steer Nigeria to safety.”
The convention will also feature awards to distinguished personalities, soul-lifting worship, fiery sermons, and unity-driven lectures—all capped with thunderous prayers for Nigeria’s redemption.
Adeboye urged the President to ensure every policy has “a human face,” stressing that Nigerians must not only endure but also enjoy the fruits of governance.
With the OAIC promising to reaffirm believers’ authority in Christ and rally spiritual boldness in the face of national challenges, Ilorin is set to become the epicentre of a powerful spiritual warfare for Nigeria’s destiny.
…Church leaders accuse Welsh counterparts of “spiritual decadence” and “abandonment of faith”
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has issued a forceful condemnation of the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann, an openly lesbian cleric, as the Archbishop of Wales. The move is the latest in a series of developments that have deepened divisions within the global Anglican Communion over sexuality and doctrine.
In a statement from Primate The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, the church denounced the election as a “serious departure from biblical teaching” and a sign of “spiritual decadence” and “an outright abandonment of the faith once delivered to the saints.”
Archbishop Ndukuba warned that Bishop Vann’s elevation compromises the Anglican Church’s global mission and could obstruct evangelism. He compared the situation to the controversial tenure of Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori, former Presiding Bishop of the U.S. Episcopal Church, who also faced intense criticism from conservative Anglicans for her progressive views.
The Primate accused Bishop Vann of being complicit in the “ongoing crisis” around same-sex issues, stating that the election is a “clear revelation that many who claim to be members of the body of Christ cannot endure sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:3–4).
The Church of Nigeria called on Anglicans worldwide to reject “rebels” and “apostates” and to instead support conservative bodies like the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON).
“The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) condemns, unequivocally rejects, and will not recognize the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann as Archbishop of Wales,” Ndukuba declared. He concluded with a solemn warning that without repentance, the Church in Wales risks losing “complete relevance” and its leaders will face judgment.
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