As the world marked World Sickle Cell Day on June 19, 2025, the Young Progressive Party (YPP) Governorship candidate in the upcoming Anambra State Governorship Election, Sir Paul Chukwuma, has emphasized the need for collective awareness and proactive action to curb the spread of sickle cell anemia.
Speaking through the YPP Deputy Governorship candidate, Uzu Okagbue, during a visit to the Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home in Agulu, Chukwuma stressed that only a united front can defeat the condition.
“To be able to stop sickle cell, we must jointly stamp out the scourge of ignorance that enables parents to give birth to children before they ascertain their genotype,” he stated.
Chukwuma called on governments, communities, churches, and individuals to show greater commitment to ending sickle cell, a disease that continues to claim lives, often due to preventable circumstances.
Reflecting on his personal loss, he shared:
“I am often reminded of my brother, Hyginus Chidalu Chukwuma, who suffered from sickle cell. Many of us have a close family member or friend who has suffered from sickle cell. This is why we should no longer accept this as a verdict of nature.”
While noting the pain and burden the disease brings, Chukwuma insisted that sickle cell is not a death sentence. He urged those living with the condition to embrace life and face its challenges with courage and determination.
“It is just one of those challenges of life, and every one of us has their fair share of life’s challenges. But we can end it and we will end it,” he said.
In her remarks, Aisha Edward Maduagwu, Director of the Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home, commended Governor Charles Soludo and his wife, Nonye Soludo, for their continued support. She also expressed gratitude to Sir Paul Chukwuma for his generosity and donation of an ambulance to the home.
“Thank you, Sir Paul, for your constant support, generosity, and gift of ambulance donated to our home,” Aisha said.
She further extended appreciation to former Governor Peter Obi, who commissioned the ambulance through his representative, Valentine Obienyem.
Speaking at the event, Uzu Okagbue, YPP’s Deputy Governorship candidate, described Sir Paul as a man of selfless service. He also revealed that he, too, had suffered a personal loss to the disease.
“Sir Paul Chukwuma is and has continued to be selfless,” he noted. “I also lost a brother, Sunday Okoye, to sickle cell.”
Okagbue challenged stakeholders to go beyond charity and engage in sustainable efforts that would eradicate sickle cell.
“We must do more than philanthropy. We will ensure that these children live to the fullest. We will be part of this journey. I am convinced beyond doubt that we can put an end to this,” he affirmed.
He also pledged continued support for the orphanage from Sir Paul Chukwuma.
The commemorative event drew several notable attendees, including Chief Jude Osude, Hon. Ralph Okeke, Chief Mike Ejezie, and Valentine Ozigbo, alongside representatives of political and religious leaders.
