When she came to Anambra State about ten years ago, many did not believe she would live beyond two months let alone achieve anything. Do you know why? The life she chose to live almost ruined her life! Her name stood her out and also contributed to her woes. Her religion was unknown due to combinations of names and other reasons you will find out soon. A mysterious woman, you may wish to call her! Many, especially the ignoramuses disassociated with her.
Do you know why? She came with a message; very simple message. Many who hates the truth or content of the message felt threatened. Their businesses of fake prophecies, fake medications, claims and counterclaims were countered by the 'new comer.' But they couldn't stop her may be because they feared her name, her gender, military background or high profile personalities directly or indirectly associated to her (from distance).
Therefore, the hypocrites rather chose to attack or despise her using her state of origin by birth, Ebonyi. Some also called her many unprintable names like 'ashawo,' etc. The trauma of life, stigmatisation and discriminations worsened her health condition. Sometimes she spent weeks in a hospital, managing her detoriorating health. Was she discouraged? Never! She kept on pressing higher! Her phone, the traditional and the new media were not only her companions but life-wire.
Welcome to the world of a sickle cell warrior, Mrs Aisha Maureen Edwards-Maduagwu (nee Chima), a cat with nine lives. Aisha is a very young charming, courageous orator, you would love to meet with, chat with or transact businesses with (if not that she is not a businesswoman). The wife of Agulu man, Anaocha LGA of Anambra State, mean many things to many people. To those who have heard her voice, she is a voice to the voiceless. Generally, A'isha is a social crusader, philanthropist, critic, activist and journalist.
But more interestingly, she is a military officer, who left the Army after sustaining a serious injury coupled to her health status, to launch into another selfless service to the people. Yes! That her new hubby is a campaign to eliminate sickle cell anaemia disorder in the world, using Anambra State as a case study. To achieve this, she launched Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder (APLSCD). Aisha confronted many battles but at the end, she succeeded in convincing many to identify themselves as people living with sickle cell disorder (SCD) which was not previously possible due to fear of sociatal discriminations.
From answering the National Coordinator of APLSCD, she succeeded in securing a lawmaker to sponsor a sickle cell bill in Anambra State, which was also passed and signed into law by former governor Willie Obiano. She also established Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home Agulu, aside Sickle Cell Special Clinic she succeeded in setting up at Ukpo, Dunukofia LGA courtesy of Engineer Arthur Eze.
On Saturday 5th August, 2023, the woman with many parts, celebrated her birthday, reeling out many goodies or improved welfare packages SCD sufferers are currently enjoying in Anambra State since her journey begun.
Hear her:
"Today, is a special day that rekindles hope and unlocks beautiful memories that have over the nurtured and sustained my growth. It was John Williams who said that so much of what we do is ephemeral and quickly forgotten, even by ourselves, so it's gratifying to have something you have done linger in people's memories. It is on this premise that I set out this day to remember the impactful hands of support that have showered me with care and kindness, making a life a lot easier to navigate.
"The beautiful journey of life that I have had over the years may not have taken off if not for the solid foundation laid by my parents and the Nigerian Army in my early years. My years working for the Media & Information department of the Nigerian army cultivated in me a strong desire to rise above all odds including my health challenges and deliver results with no excuses. From traversing across different states of the federation covering media reports for the Nigerian army, many wondered if truly this lady was living with sickle cell disorder. Of course there were moments when the disorder takes its toll on me and leaves me in the hands of medics who battle day and night to ensure that I still have more years.
"God specially blessed me with a unique crop of medical practitioners who nurtured my health against all odds. From my wonderful medical allies in the Nigerian army and to those in the missionary hospitals in Anambra state that took over my health management after I left the army, I was indeed in the best hands. They ensured that I got the best and even at odd hours they were ready to provide assistance not just to me but also my members living with the disorder.
"Having enjoyed this unique grace and special people around me, it became pertinent that I extend this love and care to persons like me who are living with sickle cell disorder. I may have been lucky to be blessed with people who loved and cherished me regardless of my disorder, but same may not be said for my members who have suffered several degrees of neglect from families, governments and the society. Thus, the drive to birth an association that unites everyone living with sickle cell disorder was ignited. The association, APLSCD would provide succour, welfare and shelter for persons living with the disorder.
"From our inception over 8 years ago, the Association have lived up to the expectations that nurtured its idea. We have provided scholarships for over 80 of our members, paid hospital bills for many and taken up the entire hospital and crisis management for some who has no one to cater for them. We did not stop at that, realising the need for immediate and accessible medical attention as is required by our disorder, the Association through the support of Chief Arthur Eze completed a sickle cell rehabilitation Centre in Ukpo, and from there provided medical support for our members for over 4 years. However, the distance from our home and other financial factors led to this centre being underutilised.
"In 2020, when COVID-19 broke out and the economy bit hard, we rallied out benefactors and we were able to set up a home for our members, as the neglect suffered by most of them were so much that they were treated like pariah by even their families, some resorted to sleeping in churches and this further exposed them to severe medical challenges. In response to this situation, we birthed our Sickle Cell Home in Agulu, and so far we have over 20 permanent and temporary inmates.
"We have also established a vocational centre in Agulu to help in the training of our members, as we believe that once our members are equipped with the right skill and materials, they will go a long way to make impact in the society. All these feats could not have been achieved without the generosity and support of our kind and benevelont beneficiaries. The people of Agulu community who took us in, nurtured us and have provided a home for us over the years, we are very grateful.
"The church, both Catholic and Anglican, clergies, CWO and other church Associations have remained a strong pillar of support for us. They have been there for us spiritually, emotionally and financially. The Bishops have ensured that our cries to not go unanswered, and in most cases we do not even need to cry because as fathers they understand our situation and always provide assistance even before we ask. We are sincerely grateful.
"In a special way I would want to appreciate the Anambra State Government for their benevolence towards us. Our Association found a conducive home in Anambra and it has remained so ever since. It is on record that Anambra State under the leadership of Gov. Willie Obiano was the first state to pass the Sickle Cell Bill into Law. This Law has provided us a shield from criminals who hitherto monetized our situation and used our situation to hoodwink the public into parting with funds.
"Gov. Willie Obiano and his wife were so essential in our welfare while their tenure lasted, and Gov. Soludo and his wife have also taken up that mantle to ensure that we do not only have a voice, but that we also do not lack. This current government has been of immense support and a special mention goes to the Chief of Staff Sir. Earnest Ezeajughi and the Commissioner for Health Dr Afam Obidike and Hon. Patricia Igwebuike, Chief Paul Odenigbo they have on different occasions visited our home, and have in various capacities showed us support in their individual capacity. This, we do not take for granted. We really appreciate.
"We would also not fail to applaud the strides of the wife of the Governor, Mrs. N'onye Soludo through her 'Healthy Living' initiative she has been able to touch lives. It is our earnest desire that her benevolence would also extend to us, as one of the basis of our survival is healthy living, it keeps us stronger and pushes away our crisis further. We would definitely be glad if and when the fruits of he healthy living initiative is planted in our Association.
"In a very special way we wish to thank one of our biggest benefactors Sir. Paul Chukwuma and Sir Emmanuel Ibeneme and their wives. They heard of our plight and immediately adopted us into their fold and have continued to shower us with immense support, from scholarships to welfare, and payment of hospital bills they have been a strong backbone for us.
"We also acknowledge the support of Hon. Charles Ezeani, who who sponsored and provided the Legislative background and legwork that birthed the Sickle Cell Law. We would also not fail to recognise HE Mr. Peter Obi, Sen. Uche Ekwunife, Sen. Victor Umeh, Rt. Hon. Dozie Nwankwo, Hon. Johnbosco Onunkwo, HRH Innocent Obodoakor and HRH Godwin Ezeilo, Sir. Eric Okoye, Prof. Stella Okunna, Chief Sir Ikenna Okafor, Chief Sir Azubike Ekwozor, and others benefactors whom due to want of space we may not have mentioned here. We sincerely appreciate your support.
"In a very special way, I wish to appreciate my husband, Mr Edozie Maduagwu for his immense support to me and members of my association. My mother and younger brother Lt. Col CC. Chima who has immensely shown me love and care and I am very grateful. As I celebrate another year today, it worthy to note that we have not gotten here without the support of others and we are very appreciative of it. We believe that much is yet to be achieved and gradually we shall get there. Join me in celebrating our benefactors especially my host community Ndi Agulu, their actions and support are in no way ephemeral, they shall continue to linger in our hearts. "