The Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder (APLSCD) has commended the immediate past First Lady of Anambra State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano (Osodieme), for her continued commitment and support to persons living with sickle cell disorder and other vulnerable members of society.
The National Coordinator of APLSCD and Director of the Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home, Agulu, Mrs. Aisha Edward Maduagwu, expressed appreciation for Mrs. Obiano’s sustained humanitarian interventions, describing her support for the sickle cell community as a demonstration of compassion beyond political office.
Maduagwu, in a statement marking the just-concluded September Sickle Cell Awareness Month, said Mrs. Obiano’s commitment to persons living with sickle cell disorder had remained consistent through her humanitarian foundation, the Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFE).
According to her, “True leadership and genuine humanitarianism are defined not by the office one holds, but by the enduring legacy of love, compassion, and service one leaves behind.”
She said the APLSCD had chosen to celebrate Mrs. Obiano because of what she described as her “unshakable” commitment to vulnerable people.
Maduagwu noted that through CAFE, Mrs. Obiano had continued to support the sickle cell community long after her tenure as First Lady of Anambra State ended.
She disclosed that Mrs. Obiano recently renewed health insurance coverage for more than 100 persons living with sickle cell disorder, particularly vulnerable children.
According to her, the intervention would enable beneficiaries to access essential medical care without the financial burden associated with treatment.
Beyond healthcare coverage, Maduagwu said CAFE had also continued to provide periodic welfare support packages to individuals and families affected by sickle cell disorder.
She recalled that Mrs. Obiano had, during her tenure as First Lady, provided APLSCD with a platform to participate in her annual August Meeting tours across the 21 Local Government Areas of Anambra State.
Maduagwu said the opportunity enabled her to sensitise mothers and women at the grassroots on genotype compatibility and sickle cell awareness.
She further highlighted what she described as the Obiano family’s contribution to sickle cell advocacy in Anambra State, noting that during the administration of Mrs. Obiano’s husband, former Governor Willie Obiano, the Anambra State Sickle Cell Law, 2019, was passed by the 6th Anambra State House of Assembly and assented to.
She described the legislation as a landmark measure aimed at protecting and supporting persons living with sickle cell disorder and improving their access to healthcare.
“For all these and more, we, the Anambra State Sickle Cell Community, say a very big “Thank You” to Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano, and the entire CAFE team, for seeing us, loving us, and standing by us through every season,” Maduagwu said.
She added that Mrs. Obiano’s support, particularly her generosity towards orphanages during her birthday celebrations, had continued to provide assistance to vulnerable families.
Maduagwu prayed for God’s continued protection, good health and prosperity for Mrs. Obiano and the entire Obiano family, while expressing appreciation for her continued support for persons living with sickle cell disorder.
“Thank you, Osodieme, for all you have done and continue to do for our SCD community,” she said.
