SICKLE CELL GROUP COMMENCE THANKSGIVING TOUR - O’STAR EZE

Aisha Maureen Edward, the coordinator of the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder has said that the association has come to a point where it feels it is pertinent to form a thankful habit as they do not know when next they might have the opportunity given that their health status makes their demise like ‘the rapture’. She made this statement during a well attended thanksgiving service by the association at St Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka.  She also saw the thanksgiving service which, she said, would be done in all the churches – Catholic and Anglican, in Anambra state, as a way of creating awareness and sensitizing members of the public. In her words, ‘our next port of call should be St Faith Anglican Church, Awka. They are also at the fore front of the fight.’ She said she was joyful that the presence of the wife of the governor was felt and was sure that everyone in the association would go home with smiles and something to talk about. She availed the opportunity to express her gratitude to former governor Peter Obi, who she said has donated graciously towards the cause of the association. She also appreciated the wife of the governor and the commissioner for health for their support. The coordinator also narrated how the kindness of the principal of Austica Memorial Secondary School, Nanka, Revd. Fr. Ebebe, who, she said, relinquished his school bus to the association to help convey the association members to the venue of the thanksgiving service, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka. ‘This gesture’, Aisha said, ‘was just the best one can do for us given the agony we go through walking about with our cancerous feet while the general public watches. My heart has been bought over as a result of this and many other selfless services of the priest towards the welfare of the association and I would say that today marks the beginning of my official relationship with the church.’ She said that the theme of the sermon was just right – ‘leadership though selfless service’, and admonished all and sundry to imbibe the church’s view of what leadership was all about. ‘Get yourself out of the psychological bondage and enjoy your life while it lasts’, she advised those living with sickle cell disorder, ‘it is time for you to come out and thank God for being a special person.’

Her Excellency, Chief Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano, the wife of His Excellence, the executive governor of Anambra state, was ably represented at the thanksgiving service by Nwafor Orizu College of Education Provost, Cordelia Ego Uzoezie. The academic don affirmed that the cause of the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell disorder was a worthy one. She put it this way, ‘Firstly, the association wouldn’t have been existing without people living with the disorder. For them to come together to fight for their living is a welcome one, rather than waiting for others to think for them. So it is a welcome idea because it is now showing that the people have come of age to think for themselves and to fight for their living.’ The provost who wouldn’t attribute any appellation to her name expressed delight at what she termed the courage expressed by those living with sickle cell disease and saw it as a sign that they are now living above stigmatization. In the same vein, Mrs Uzoezie shared the two ways the first lady, Osodieme, is helping the association. ‘Osodieme is in the position to call on meaningful personalities in the state to support them in their health and education needs. More importantly, she has her own institution where the adult and young adults among them can equally join and learn a skill that can help them to be self reliant.’ Her message for the sickle cell patients was to ‘keep living; to fight for living and to work for a living.’ She encouraged them not to relent and admonished them to keep paying attention to their health and reading their body signs so they don’t get overtaken by crisis.

Speaking to the press, the officiating priest, Reverend Father Martin Obiajulu, who was representing Catholic bishop of Awka diocese, Most Revd Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor, said he was quite impressed with what the association had done. He said it was a thing of joy because no matter how one’s life conditions are, one should always learn to accept and thank God for them. ‘I thank God that they accepted their condition and they came to thank God. My prayer is that God will keep on blessing them; keep guiding and directing them in everything they are doing to ensure they reach the end. And in the end, they are granted eternal life,’ the St Patrick’s Cathedral pastor said. On his message to the members of the public in the light of the cause of the association, Fr. Obiajulu called on all well meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of the association. in his words, ‘it is not left for the church alone to care for them; the government and individuals, organizations have to help them to better their condition because it is not by their fault that they are sickly. That is the role we have to play as humans. The church has been trying her best.’

Also speaking at the event was Pharm. Dr. Uchebo Obiageli, the administrative assistant to the Honourable Commissioner for Health. In her interaction with the press, Pharm. Uchebo revealed that the ministry of health is partners in progress with the association as it has always been there right from the beginning. ‘On the day of their walk, the Honourable Commissioner for Health was there. He went through the walk and has been doing his best to support this group,’ explained the lady. She also revealed that the ministry is making efforts to see that the already existing sickle cell law to see that those living with sickle cell disorder in the state all benefit from whatever the state has for them. Dr. Obiageli identified intensive sensitization as is the modus operandi of the association as the right way to fight sickle cell scourge to a conclusive end. ‘I think if this is sustained (speaking about sensitization), in due time, there will be no case of sickle cell disease in this state,’ she postulated.

The press also spoke with one of the legal advisers of the association, Immaculata Chidinma Okonkwor.

Steer Clear of Eke -Awka Market ....Chairman Warns Intruders ....Traders Threaten War By Abuchi Onwumelu

Www.abuchionwumelu.com exclusively reports that the executive Chairman of popular Eke- Awka Market, Hon. Jude Emeka Agumadu has warned all those scheming to disrupt the existing peace in the market to steer clear of the market, vowing that the antics of his detractors will not in any way deter him from carrying out the good works he is doing in the market. This is even as he insists that there is nothing like illegal structures anywhere in the market as speculated in some quarters.

Chief Agumadu, who stated this in an exclusive interview with this blogger, said the traders had resolved to fight whoever that would halt the progress of the market.

His words, 'They are trying to use a particular non indigene of Awka to achieve  their selfish ends. We will not allow that to happen. Eke-Awka was built by Ndi-Awka, therefore, no one should be allowed to come and dictate to us.

'We know them; they are not happy because of our wonderful achievements. They messed up the opportunity given to them by the traders that's why they are plotting for our downfall. Let them leave us alone. Instead of them to swallow their pride and support our leadership they are busy looking for how they could destroy the market. They went and connived with a man who has about a month to go out office to come and disrupt what we have laboured to build over the years.

'We will not allow outsiders to come and destroy the aged long market which has generated so much revenue for Anambra State government. They started with the issue of Illegal structures but I tell you, there is nothing like that. Before we do anything here we'll first of all go and obtain approval from Anambra State ministry of commerce and industry. We are always following the laid down rules,' Hon. Agumadu Stated.

The market leader who doubles as President, Almagamated Market Traders Association of Anambra State (AMATAS), Awka zone, stated that the market was yielding so much money for Anambra state government and therefore should be shielded  from scavengers.

'We want these impostors to steer clear.They are distracting us. We know them and their sponsors. They are looking for money, they want to take over Eke-Awka but we'll not allow them. We don't need external influence,' Agumadu noted.

Speaking to www.abuchionwumelu.com, the Anambra State Market Women's Leader (AMATAS), women wing, Hon. Promise Chinwe Ezeigwe,  said the market under the leadership of Hon. Jude Agumadu had witnessed a massive turnaround.

She maintained that chairman had restored the perennial power failure in the market, dug boreholes with overhead tanks and also engaged many youths.

According to her, Hon. Jude Emeka Agumadu had helped the state government in fighting loitering, pick pocketing and other crime related offences which, she said hitherto was the order of the day.

'Immediately he came in, he made sure that he pulled those jobless youths out of streets of Eke-Awka. He offered them jobs that's why you no longer hear people looking for their handbags and wallets after purchasing,' Chief Mrs Ezeigwe stated.

She said the traders were ready to wage war against the alleged intruders and impostors, adding that they would go stark naked if they continue to harass and disturb their peace.

In their separate reactions, the erstwhile chairman of market of the market, Chief Charles Anierobi (CID) and Sec AMATAS Women Wing, Mrs Ann Nwakozo, lamented that some unscrupulous elements had invaded the market with a view of   riping the innocent and poor traders off. The duo stated that they are no longer found it funny again hence their outburst. They pledged their total support for Chief Agumadu whom they described as a compassionate and courageous leader.

OSODIEME'S DEATH - FALLACY

A Press Statement

Politicking with Death in Anambra State: The Height of Indecency

Our attention has been drawn to the vicious rumour injected into the social media by an immoral opposition, alleging that the amiable wife of the governor of Anambra State, Chief Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano, Osodieme has passed on.

This poisonous lie is a new low in opposition politics in Anambra State and one that must be condemned by anyone who has the slightest respect for the right to life and the dignity of the human person.

For the avoidance of doubt, Chief Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano is alive and in the best physical, psychological and emotional condition possible. She has been observing her annual vacation in the United States and has not had any reason to spend a night in the hospital since she arrived the USA.

We urge the general public to disregard this immoral rumour as there is no semblance of truth to it.

The power of life and death resides with the Almighty God and no matter what may be the cruel designs of man against his kind, life only comes to an end when it pleases God.

Thank you



Emeka Ozumba
Special Assistant, Media

SICKLE CELL GROUP'S STAKEHOLDERS' MEETING: RISING HOPE FOR SICKLE CELL PATIENTS.

The maiden edition of Sickle Cell Stakeholders' meeting held recently at Aguata Local Government Secretariat Hall with at least 200 Sickle cell patients in attendance, besides members of the clergy, the press, the red cross and a medical practitioner.
The event was an upgrade of what used to be an exclusive meeting for members of the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder.

In her address, the coordinator of the group, Aisha Maureen Edward shared that her sole purpose for initiating the association is to bridge the gap between those living with Sickle Cell disorder and the benevolent members of the society, thereby breaking the wings of those fake NGOs who had been feeding fat at the expense of the Sickle Cell cause and people. Aisha expressed her appreciation to God and the church who had been her most gracious support and partners in the pursuit of the cause of the association and on that note announced that, come October 18, members of the association in the Southeast shall be going for thanksgiving at St Patrick's Cathedral, Awka. It was during the event that Aisha Edward gave a rundown of series of landmark achievements recorded by the association within just few years, which include, getting the prestigious Iyi Enu Mission Hospital to write off the huge bill of one of their deceased members as well declare free medical services to Sickle Cell patients; the graduation of 10 members of APLSCD from the first round of the ongoing skill acquisition programme by Osodieme CAFE; the Walk in honor of members of the association by ANAMBRA Broadcasting Service in partnership with the Ministry of Health, the Anglican and Catholic church as well as other the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and other corporate bodies.  Aisha also assured sickle cell patients that  more welfare and empowerment packages are still in the pipeline. She also said that plans are underway to get the new and prestigious Sickle Cell ambassador, Zahra Buhari to ANAMBRA State.

MISSION HOSPITAL TAKES THE LEAD IN SICKLE CELL PARTNERSHIP.

in what started like a melodramatic turn of events, Iyi Enu Mission Hospital, Ogidi, Onitsha has shown herself a track beater in the cause of upgrading the welfare of those people in our society who are living with Sickle Cell Disorder.

The Administrator of the said hospital which  is run by the Anglican Church, Onitsha,  Revd. Cannon Ikechukwu Okwuosa made this known during a 5 hours closed door meeting between the administrator and an entourage representing   Association of People Living with Sickle cell Disorder led by The Coordinator, Aisha Maureen Edward. He disclosed that his establishment has been at the fore front of standing up for Sickle Cell patients. Besides the fact that the Mission Hospital has a couple of exceptional staff members who are Sickle Cell patients, they had a very promising young clergy, the Onitsha Diocese bishop's own godson, who gave up the ghost at the prime of his life. An experience that devastated the whole Diocese, but almost did in the Bishop himself. She then revealed that he has received two proposals for a sickle cell special clinic in the big establishment, but has also gotten a proposal from a very distinguished female scientist who wants to start a full blown hematology department in Iyi Enu Mission school.
Revd. Okwuosa, a young husband and father and Hospital Management graduate of University of Leeds spoke firmly against whoever might be wrongly saying that his hospital is not nice to Sickle Cell patients has ulterior motives and shall face the full wrath of the law if caught. The ice breaker was when he told the Coordinator of the Association that his hospital will consider the written and spoken appeal by the association to write off the bill of a deceased 16 year old member of the association. The Hospital Administrator also affirmed that the parents of the deceased could come and pick up their deceased corpse and bury, as they don't eat corpse.

The public may not be aware but the said 16 year old Miss Rowland had been one of the foundation members of the association and was almost concluding her NECO when she fell sick and from St Mary's Hospital Ekwulobia, she was posted to Iyienu Mission Hospital where she gave up the ghost after two unsuccessful appendixectomy  surgeries. 'The hospital has many specialists doctors and did her best but she was already bad when she was posted as an emergency from St Mary's Hospital Ekwulobia', said the Revd Gentleman in defense of his hospital.

Speaking to some members of the media, the Coordinator of the Association happily informed the media that she has sheathed her sword of justice and has taken the white sweet scented lily offered by IyiEnu Mission Hospital. She expressed her gratitude in a special way to all gentlemen of the pen who have been, as she put it, 'my own arsenal and weapon with which I fight the ills in the society as a Moral Crusader.'

AGUATA ARCHBISHOP SPEAKS UP ON SICKLE CELL…’ CONTINUOUS SENSITIZATION IS THE SOLUTION.’ -

Most Revd. Christian Efobi

Most Revd. Christian Efobi, the Archbishop of Aguata Diocese (Anglican Communion), has singled out continuous sensitization campaign as the panacea to ameliorating the scourge of sickle cell disorder in Nigeria. He said this during his interaction with a sickle cell awareness team comprising of press men and the coordinator of the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder, Aisha Edward, at his office in Ekwulobia. In his interaction with this team, the archbishop identified the reason for the continued birthing of sickle cell babies as the refusal of intending couples to be tested prior to their marital union and/or insistence on getting married even after being tested and found incompatible.

On his view concerning those individuals and corporations that hide under the guise of pursuing the cause of sickle cell disorder to amass wealth for themselves without making any impact in the lives of sickle cell disorder, Most Rev. Efobi described such acts as not only illegal but also a sin against both God and man and advised such people to repent from their ways. He further advised philanthropists not to desist from doing good but ensure the genuineness of the foundations before making donations. On that note, the Archbishop said, ‘I think this foundation is worth partnering with as its activities gives those living with sickle cell disorder a reason to live and by their interaction with one another, they ease off psychological tension.

Bishop Efobi said the Anglican communion has been pursuing the cause of sickle cell disorder through marriage counseling which includes blood tests part of which is genotype test which determines whether they encourage the couple to go ahead with the union or not, and through regular church announcement, preaching and seminars. As a final word, the archbishop enjoined the government to make funds available for more sensitization; the church leaders to continue in their sensitization programs and those living with sickle cell disorder to be assured of God’s continuous love.

BREAKING NEWS…RUNTOWN Goes To Court as Group Sues for Breach of Contract

Upcoming music artist Douglas Jack Agu better know as Runtown as been dragged to a Lagos court by a group under the aegis of Dynamic Minds League (DML) over breach of musical performance contract.

Runtown who was due to headline the last edition of their annual Carnival which was held on the 1^st of January, 2015, eventually did not turn up for the event, even after the group had completely paid his appearance and performance fee upfront.

The Harmattan Carnival which is Anambra’s oldest carnival has been held annually during the yuletide season since 1992 and Past editions of the event have featured ace Nigerian musical talents like Phyno, Nigga Raw, Stormrex and a host of others.

DML, the organizers is a group comprising of young professionals and students from Anambra with a mission to promote and contribute to the development of their town and state, claims they paid Runtown his full agreed performance fee in December, 2014 and fulfilled all agreed obligations, but Runtown failed to turn up for the event. All diplomatic efforts made since then to secure a refund of his appearance fee has proven abortive. As a result the group has proceeded to filing a lawsuit at the Lagos State High Court demanding an apology from Runtown, as well as a refund of performance fees, logistics costs and a token amount for damages incurred.