WORLD SICKLE CELL DAY: Emenaka, Charles, Ezeemo, Nwobu Alor, Others Encourage Group ...by O’star Eze

World Sickle Cell Day, celebrated on June 19th of each year, is recognized globally and was created by the United Nations by resolution. After last year, 2015’s commemoration, there was birthed an association for Sickle Cell patients, via quite a passion driven sickle cell sufferer, Aisha Edward, and from the moment the idea was birthed, Aisha Edward has been breaking new jinxes surrounding the eradication of Sickle Cell Disorder and proper management and support of those living with sickle cell disorder.

To mark this year’s celebration, the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder packaged a three-day back-to-back celebration to mark the World Sickle Cell Day tagged, “Advocacy and Sensitization”. The celebration started with a road show on June 17, with young people culled from Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Odumegwu Ojukwu University in their hundreds parading the Awka capital city of Anambra state, entertaining and sharing pamphlets and speaking to the masses in Awka and the environs on the need to check one’s genotypic compatibility with one’s intended mate and why one needs to quit any relationship that is made up of a couple that both carry AS genotype.

The road show culminated at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, NAUTH, Ukpo, where the association conducted the commissioning of a newly set up Special Sickle Cell Clinic, courtesy of Prince Engineer Arthur Eze. The commissioning was carried out by Arthur Eze, ably represented by his brother, Chief Okey Eze, while the unveiling of the clinic’s plaque was conducted by the traditional ruler of Ukpo, HRH, Igwe Robert Eze. A member of Okey Eze’s entourage, a business man based at South Africa, Chief Vincent Udobi, Onowu Ifitedunu was so moved that he donated one million naira to the association. A large number of pharmaceutical students from several institutions were present to cheer on the landmark event, alongside priests and the Medical Director of NAUTH, Professor Anthony Igwegbe.

The next day was the book launch and Shining Example award presentation to all the individuals and personalities that have in one way or the other supported the cause of the organization, 28 in number. This held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University main Auditorium at UNIZIK campus, Awka. Amongst the recipients of the award were the executive governor of Anambra state, Chief Dr Willie Obiano, the directors of Sun, Fides, Authority newspapers, Mr Godwin Ezeemo, Honourables Charles Ezeani and Obinna Emenaka, the Catholic and Anglican bishops of Awka, Aguata and Onitsha diocese, Chief Sylvester Nwobu Alor, to mention but a few.

Finally, on the third day, being a Sunday, the association still made it to Austica Memorial College, Nanka, to give thanks to God for His many blessings and favors over the months. The thanksgiving also availed the association the opportunity to partake in send forth party organized for the outgoing principal of Austica Memorial College, Rev. Fr. Cosmas Ebebe, who, it was revealed by APLSCD’s coordinator, to have been of outstanding help to the association.

Speaking with the press during the commissioning of Prince Arthur Eze Special Sickle cell clinic in NAUTH, Ukpo, the member representing Anambra East constituency at the state house of assembly, Hon Obinna Chris Emenaka said the clinic will consolidate on the achievement of the state government with respect to the people living with sickle cell disorder. 

He opined that the sensitization program organised by the chairperson of the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder APLSCD, Ms Aisha Edward will go a long way in addressing some of the pertinent issues concerning the patients. He informed that intending couples with the knowledge of their genotype will be mindful of their relationship so as to avoid giving birth to sickle cell carriers in the name of love.

His words "this will go a long way to address some of the unhealthy behaviour and attitude of our people in the name of love thereby giving birth to children who go through severe pains all the major part of their lives. It is a great awareness by the crusader and with this people will be more enlightened and sicklers will get a better and improved health services"

He further explained that a bill that will address all the problems of sickle cell patient has passed the motion on notice stage at the state house of assembly and assured that the house members are critically understudying the bill to ensure its speedy passage into law. He said "we are fine turning the bill to make sure that we get out a very good bill that will address the challenges of sickle cell patients"

On the issue of NGO's who are fond of using the sickle cell patients to obtain and malversate money from donors meant for the improvement and development of patients, the lawmaker who analogized that the number of NGOs on sickle cell is now far more greater  than the number of people with the disorder. He expressed displeasure over the habit of taking undue advantage on the impaired as he reminded the perpetrators of the adverse consequence.

He said "it is unfortunate that we live in a country where people take advantage of compromised patients. The worst thing that can happen to any sane person is to utilize the misfortune or temporal or natural challenge of your own fellow individual for selfish reasons. It is bad to hide under the umbrella of sickle cell patients to collect money just to enrich yourself and family"

He advised that NGOs should be motivated only by passion and not material gains.

Hon. Charles, the sponsor of the said sickle cell bill also confirmed the claims of his colleague, at the occasion of the book launch the next day, while adding that he had gone as far as engaging most of the house members, including the Speaker, individually, on why it is imperative that the bill be passed into law.

His words,  "I see myself as infected by Sickle Cell Disorder too because I once lived with a family with several sickle cell children, and I know firsthand the kind of torturous pain these our brothers and sisters and ward go through."

The Lawmaker therefore called on all to join APLSCD on their cause, as, according to him, "it is a noble and genuine one."

Mr Godwin Ezeemo, another award recipient, ably represented by a medical practitioner, Dr Edward Ezenwafor, also pledged his support for the cause of the association. He encouraged the association to feel free to come to him for any aid.

There were several donations to the organization from the award recipients and other well meaning attendees.

Earlier during the award/ book launch event, Aisha Edward reiterated that the association will not relent in her fight against the tolerance of sickle cell disorder and the association's welfare and empowerment packages for the members. She took time to express her profound gratitude to Prince Engr Arthur Eze for establishing the first special sickle cell clinic in ANAMBRA state. In her words, "We the sickle cell patients require extra attention and this usually poses as a challenge to our parents.

Also during the thanksgiving service the next day, Sunday, Aisha expressed her sentiments towards the outgoing principal of Austica Memorial College, narrating how he has always been there for her, rescued her from suicidal intents and have been making his resources available for the association. She also revealed that Austica Memorial College happens to be their home given their mobility and first meeting point has been courtesy of the school.

She appreciated his influence over her; brought the sanity of the real Christianity via his personality, made her to start going to church. She also thanked the college's choir for how they ministered to her soul via their songs.

She also admonished them to be ensured they check their genotype compatibility with whomever they intend to love and marry. She shared some of the grotesque experiences families with sickle cell babies go through and encouraged all to ensure they aid in getting their newly published book on Sickle Cell sensitization and advocacy, to all and sundry. This book was compiled to give comprehensive information on the issues bordering about sickle cell anemia with contributions from several medical experts, lawmakers and activists. 

Fr. Ebebe,on his part, referred to Aisha as her daughter and the association, his apostolate. He spoke highly of the uncommon passion exhibited by Aisha Edwards, despite her health condition, while announcing that Aisha urgently needs a vehicle that would help in conveying her about as she went about what he referred to as a “work of mercy”. APGA chieftain, Chief Titus Anigbogu and the former Anambra SSG, Oseloka Obaze, were among the dignitaries spotted at the event.

The 2016 World Sickle Cell Day celebration as observed by the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder highlighted the organization’s tested and trusted weapon of warfare against Sickle Cell scourge, advocacy and sensitization. The association also used the platform to count her blessings while expressing their gratitude to all who have in one way or the other supported the association’s vision. Of course, as was customary in every of the association’s events, the members were also empowered with first aid boxes, water bottles, clothes, food items and what have you, as facilitated by the Catholic and Anglican communions and other philanthropists.

Keshi's demise, Ifeanyi Ubah mourns.

We have lost a man we needed so much in a time we all gear towards repositioning Nigeria football.

Stephen Keshi died when we needed his wealth of experience the  most in football sector of this country.
It will be hard to talk about Nigeria football without mentioning his name and we had expected to have him for long here so that we continue to tap from his wealth of experience.

The Nigerian leading football  investor Dr Ifeanyi Ubah went on to call for his imortalization while also sympathizing with Keshi's family and the entire football family for the loss .www. anambraeconomicsummits.com

According Ubah , "it will be very painful to the family and children who are still in pain over the demise of their wife and mother just a few months ago and I sympathize with them "

"As a key member of football family , I mourn the departure of one of us .I mourn a friend and a man that I always related with on football development issues " Ubah said .

The Anambra State FA chairman went on to add that the entire members of Anambra State football board and partners will miss Keshi .
Says , "he will be greatly missed by the entire football family of Anambra State" .

Rest in peace the Big Boss.

Sign:
Ikechukwu Emeka Onyia
SSA media to Dr Ifeanyi Ubah
[

Keshi’s Death is Big Blow to African Football - Obiano

The Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has described the sudden death of former Super Eagles coach, Stephen Okechukwu Chinedu Keshi as a big blow to African football.

In a statement signed by James Eze, his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Governor Obiano said that Keshi’s death is a massive tragedy that would take Nigerian football a long period to recover from.

“Keshi was an icon of African football. He was a path breaker who opened the door of international football to many African youths when he led the exodus of Africa’s footballing talents to Europe through Belgium. That bold act inspired generations of African players into taking football as a serious career,” Obiano remarked.

Recalling Keshi’s exploits as a player and a coach, Governor Obiano again paid glowing tribute to him for being the only Nigerian to have won the African Nations’ Cup as both player and coach and the only Nigerian coach to have managed the national teams of three African countries as a coach.

GROUP APPLAUDS ARTHUR EZE’S EXCELLENT PHILANTHROPY ..announces first standard sickle cell clinic at NAUTH Ukpo prior to world sickle cell day

The Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder has applauded the way Prince Engr. Arthur Eze, Chief Executive of Oranto Oil, for how he has embraced the cause of the association immediately he got hint of it.

The President of the group, Aisha Edward, made this known, while addressing the press recently at the site of a clinic that was donated by Prince Arthur Eze, in Ukpo. Aisha expressed awe at how such philanthropist of wide repute could still be so humble and approachable.

In her words, “…he even went out of his way to routinely visit the clinic under construction, in order to ensure we were given the best.”

Aisha then availed the opportunity to also appreciate the Awka Diocese Anglican Bishop, Rt. Rev. Alexander Ibezim, for what he has been doing in St Mary’s Anglican Church, Ukpo, Awka Diocese, the spiritual centre that grooms Prince Arthur Eze’s spiritual life.

In the same vein, Aisha thanked the Archdeacon of St. Mary’s, Ukpo, Venerable Geofrey Orji in charge of St Mary’s Anglican Church for welcoming her with open arms, and providing the platform to sensitize people on sickle cell scourge.

Speaking about how she met the business tycoon, Ms Edward said, “I had never met this man before then and I was just at St Mary’s to address the congregants on the the plight Sickle cell patients go through and bestSickle Cell patients. Then, I was introduced to him and the rest is news.”

A saying goes that one should also give thanks for blessings that are on the way. In line with this wise saying, Aisha Edwards also appreciated the members of Onitsha Patent Drug Dealers Association, Headbridge, Onitsha for promising to partner with the association, given that the patients that make up the association are their best customers, to say the least.www.anambraeconomicsummits.com

RECOMMENDATIONS OF STAKEHOLDERS AT THE ECONOMIC SUMMIT

AGRICULTURAL SECTOR
1.    Formation of Farmers Cooperatives: Implementation of the current government blue print on agriculture may not be possible if farmers’ cooperatives are not well established. The Ministry of Agriculture should therefore hasten in their effort to support farmers:
i.    with trainings and skills in  preferred areas of engagement through extension services,
ii.     build their capacity in management of loans, keeping of records in their operations and in payment of taxes and fees due to them and
iii.    farmers’ associations should organise trainings for their members and seek support from other bodies outside government to give capacity to their members.
2.    Timely Provision of Farm Inputs: This has remained a recurring decimal in the challenges faced by farmers every farming season. It was thus recommended that:
i.    The Ministry of agriculture should provide their counterpart fund to agencies that support government programmes in agriculture at required time.
ii.    Through its monitoring unit, ensure timely distribution of the inputs to farmers at the appropriate time and follow up with the implementation programmes to ensure that anticipated objectives are achieved each farming season.
iii.    The Farmers Associations and the cooperatives are expected to come up with their reports on the challenges in implementation and discuss with the ministry for needed actions.
iv.    Farmers associations should collaborate with civil society organisations in engaging the government on the challenges on implementations of agricultural programmes.
3.    Agricultural / Farm Land Development: Clusters of land which the government intended to develop for agricultural purposes are yet to receive needed attention.
i.    The Ministry has to work with all the stakeholders to resolve these challenges to enable farmers realize the benefits of this programme.
4.    Provision of Processing of Storage Facilities: Many farmers have complained of the problems of glut and poor sales after harvesting their crops:www.anambraeconomicsummits.com
i.    The Ministry has to lead the effort in working out an arrangement with the big farmers to take up the unsold farm products of small scale operators in the sector,
ii.    The ministry should  build storage facilities or support efforts in building storage facilities in the State to preserve unsold farm products,
iii.    The Ministry should assist farmers in establishing sales networks for their products.
iv.    Farmers associations should work out solutions with private investors to build their own silos and storage facilities to take up unsold products of their members.
v.    Ministry of Agriculture should find out the problems of rice processing factories and encourage other investors in the sector. Only one investor is there now, but does not have enough paddy rice to meet installed capacity. This calls for improvement to meet the needs of the investor and others who may come into the sector.
vi.    Starch Mill Ihiala has problem of raw materials and needs help to resolve this problem, a team for raw material procurement should be constituted to take this forward.
5.    Development of Marketing and Distribution Channels
i.    The government should lead in this effort by building markets in agricultural zones.
ii.    Government should make the areas more accessible through good road networks
6.    Development of Value Chains: The transformation agenda of the government was designed to work through the value chains.
i.    The government should lead in building the capacity of farmers to understand the concept of value chains and support the farmers to work in this direction.
ii.    Farmers Associations should organise training for their members on values chains and build their capacity to operate in accordance with this design.
iii.    The media should undertake sensitization about value chains and the benefits.
iv.    Civil society organisations should incorporate in their programmes sensitisation of farmers on value chains.
7.    Provision of Enabling Environment to Attract Youths to Farming: The old hand in agriculture cannot provide sustainable food for the State. The need to attract the youths in the sector is thus very important   www.anambraeconomicsummits.com

i.    The programmes of government on attracting youths to the sector should be pursued with more vigor.
ii.    Government should meticulously provide and implement policy and budgetary provision for youth’s attraction to the agricultural sector.
iii.    The necessary support after training for youths to start off should be well implemented by the Ministry
8.    Increased Accessibility of Funds to Farmers: Access to fund in the sector seems to have defied many solutions as accusations of the real farmers failing to get the loan is common place.
i.     Famers Associations should come up with reports to support the claims on the number of farmers who gets the loans each farming season. This will help them to substantiate the accusations that the loans are not given to real farmers.
ii.    Ministry of Agriculture should work through their PRS to ensure that farmers get the loan.
iii.    There is need for government to review its position on the requisites for getting loan such as certificate of occupancy since this is not easy for farmers to get.
iv.    The Farmers Associations should come up with alternative methods of making the loan accessible to their members and equally recovering same.
v.    Songhai experiment should also be considered.
9.    Employment of extension staff to update Farmers with the Latest Agricultural Technology: Government has shied away from employing extension workers for reasons of financial commitments. It should find other solutions since the sector must grow. The solutions include:
 i.      Collaborations with the big operators in the sector to provide extension services to      local farmers in their areas
     ii.      Employing more extension workers in the local government areas.
          iii.     Sharing the cost of extension services with local governments.
     iv.       Encouraging Farmers Associations to send their members on trainings to build their capacity and in turn train other members on the new technologies.   
     v.        cooperating with the media to continue sensitizing the government and other stakeholders on the matter.www.anambraeconomicsummits.com