Bu Aisha Edward Maduagwu
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.
As we mark the just concluded September Sickle Cell Awareness Month — a globally recognized observance dedicated to spotlighting research, equity, and care for persons living with sickle cell — we at the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder (APLSCD) have chosen to celebrate a mother with a heart of gold, Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano (Osodieme), whose commitment to the vulnerable remains unshakable.
Through her humanitarian foundation, the Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFE), Her Excellency has proven time and again that true service transcends political tenure. Long after leaving office as the First Lady of Anambra State, she has remained a beacon of hope and a pillar of strength for the sickle cell community.
Her unwavering support continues to shine through extraordinary acts of love:
She recently renewed the health insurance coverage for over 100 persons living with sickle cell disorder, with special focus on vulnerable children. This life-saving intervention guarantees them access to critical medical care without the crushing burden of financial hardship.
Beyond health coverage, her foundation, CAFE, consistently provides periodic welfare support packages to cushion daily challenges and bring smiles to the faces of many individuals and families living with sickle cell.
On a deeply personal note, Osodieme gave APLSCD a life-changing platform during her tenure by inviting me to join her on her annual August Meeting tours across all Local Government Areas of Anambra State. She selflessly used that platform to sensitize mothers and women at the grassroots on genotype compatibility and sickle cell awareness.
The Obiano family's commitment to this cause runs even deeper. It was during the administration of her beloved husband, His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano, that the Anambra State Sickle Cell Law, 2019 was passed by the 6th Anambra State House of Assembly and assented to — a landmark legislation in Nigeria that protects, supports, and safeguards the rights and healthcare access of persons living with sickle cell.
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.
Your empathy is a healing balm, and your generosity, especially towards orphanages during your birthday celebrations, remains an answer to many prayers.
We pray that Almighty God will continue to preserve, uplift, and keep you and the entire Obiano family in His overflowing grace, good health, divine protection, and boundless abundance. May the seeds of kindness you sow daily return to you in a thousand-fold harvest.
Thank you, Osodieme, for all you have done and continue to do for our SCD community.
Mrs Maduagwu is the National Coordinator, APLSCD, and Director, Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home, Agulu