In commemoration of World Sickle Cell Day, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, Chairman and CEO of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, and Patron of the Sickle Cell Foundation, has called for increased support for individuals living with sickle cell disease, referred to as warriors.
Since Chief Sanusi became the patron of the association five years ago, no life has been lost among the warriors under the foundation’s care.
His dedicated support and timely interventions have been pivotal in improving the quality of life for over two thousand patients associated with the foundation.
In his speech, Chief Sanusi expressed his gratitude to Her Excellency, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, Her Excellency, Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja, and Dr. Ajiboye for their unwavering support in safeguarding the lives of the warriors. He highlighted the essential role of collaborative efforts in ensuring the well-being of sickle cell patients.
Chief Sanusi emphasized the need for interventions from corporate entities, private organizations, and individual donors to meet the basic needs of all patients under the foundation’s care. He cited advancements in Western countries where new technologies have significantly improved the life expectancy of sickle cell patients. He urged all well-meaning individuals in Nigeria to come together to support the acquisition of such technologies.
Furthermore, Chief Sanusi called on employers to avoid discrimination against sickle cell patients. He recounted an incident involving Her Excellency, Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja, who, during her time in government, intervened when a lady with sickle cell disease was unjustly dismissed from her job. With support, that lady went on to become a Chartered Accountant.
Chief Sanusi’s appeal underscores the importance of community and corporate support in enhancing the lives of sickle cell patients. As World Sickle Cell Day was observed on 19th June, his message resonates as a call to action for greater awareness, inclusivity, and investment in technologies that can transform the lives of those affected by sickle cell disease.
Meanwhile, one of the major donors to the warriors in Ibadan, Dr (Mrs) Ajiboye Olubukola Omolola who retired from the Oyo State Civil Service under Hospital Management Board is yet to be paid her gratuity after 35 years in meritorious service to the state.
An appeal has gone to the Oyo State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde to look into the matter and take appropriate actions to ensure that his goodwill extends to other retirees who are using their pensions and gratuities to assist the less privileged in the state.
Her detailed information
Date of Service: October 4th, 1982- October 4th, 2017 (35years)
Under Oyo State Hospital Management Board
Last post held before retirement: Chief Nursing Officer/Chief Matron.
Pension file Number: PP45851/42
Ministry of Establishment, Training and Poverty Alleviation, Pension and Training Section, Secretariat, Ibadan.