As the world marks the 2024 International Sickle Cell Day, the Ogundoyin family has raised the awareness in a sensitization on Sickle cell Anaemia at a program to commemorate their late father’s 33 years anniversary after his death.
The commemorative event which was designed by the Ogundoyin’s family to commemorate the 33 year anniversary of the death of their patriarch, late Chief Adeseun Ogundoyin held on Wednesday June 19, at the Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, UCH, Ibadan.
In his address, Ogundoyin, who also doubles as the Chairman, Nigeria Conference of Speakers of State Legislature, said the anniversary gave him mixed feelings.
He described his late father as a fearless, courageous, and tenacious fighter who fought Sickle cell disease with all his might until his death on June 18, 1991 at the age of 51.
“It is now 33 years that the music paused and we lost a precious gem, a shining star and a beacon of hope to the cold hands of death.
“Yesterday, 18th June, 2024 on the sacred anniversary of his passing, we gathered in solemn reverence at the family vault in Eruwa, surrounded by loved ones and esteemed spiritual leaders and lifted our prayers to the heavens, seeking eternal peace and tranquility for the noble soul of Chief Adeseun Ogundoyin.
“I am therefore happy that in continuation of his 33rd anniversary, we are gathered here to commemorate the 2024 International Sickle Cell Day by raising awareness, providing drugs and empowering those affected by the deadly disease to honor the memory of a life well-lived by him and a legacy that continues to inspire us all.
“Just like every other Sickle Cell patient, my father’s struggles with the disease were immense and intense but he never lost hope. Though, I was young when he transited to eternity at the age of 51, the sweet memories from my late mother and other family members, his life and times as narrated by his friends, associates, religious and community leaders, great exploits and feats recorded by him as I read them in the dailies and magazines, his enduring legacies of compassion, community service and selflessness have continued to illuminate our lives and make us proud.
“I must say that, his life was a demonstration of the power of hope and determination which all of us including those living with the disease must emulate and imbibe.
Consequently, as his children and family, we have resolved to continue his tiredless support to the SCD community by supporting awareness and advocacy on the disease as well as providing resources, drugs and access to healthcare services for Sickle Cell patients.
“With this, we hope to make a difference in their lives, create a brighter future for them and ultimately keep the memory and legacy of late Chief Adeseun Ayisa Ogundoyin constantly alive and fresh.
“Over 500 Sickle Cell patients who are here today will be further encouraged not to allow the genetic disorder to hamper their lives struggle and ambition. They will be provided with a special pack consisting of essential drugs for the treatment of SCD, and they will be giving financial support to enhance their economic activities.
“As a nation, we must rise up to the challenge posed by SCD because 70% of the world’s cases of the disease occur in Africa with Nigeria having the highest number of carriers worldwide. We need to come up with policies that will reduce the economic burden put on families by SCD patients who frequently visit hospitals and buy drugs for survival hence they must have unhindered access to free healthcare services, drugs, genetic counseling, prenatal test and comprehensive medical care.
“NGO’s, religious institutions, traditional leaders and other stakeholders must increase awareness to end stigmatisation against individuals and families affected with SCD as we need to show them love and give them support. As State Legislature, we will work with other arms of Government to pass laws that will protect the rights of Sickle Cell patients and improve their living conditions so that they can live productive and fulfilling lives.
“Lastly, we are not just honoring my father’s memory, but the resilience of every individual who has fought against this disease. We celebrate the courage of those who have lost loved ones and the determination of those who continue to battle on. Let us continue to raise our voices, to support one another, and to fight for a world where Sickle Cell Disease no longer define a person’s worth or potential.” Ogundoyin said.
The deputy governor, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, who led other state cabinet members to the event described the late Eruwa born Businessman, politician, and philanthropist as a fearless and courageous man whose impacts on the sands of history can not be eroded as far as the state and nation is concerned.
He urged the family of the late Ogundoyin to continue to sustain the legacy their late father fought hard to build during his lifetime.
Some of the sickle cell patients who were at the event expressed appreciations to the Speaker for the donation describing it as a generous gesture that would go a long way to ameliorate one of their key challenges in managing the disease.
Present at the event are members of the state House of Assembly, traditional rulers, religious leaders, Non Governmental Organizations, students from various secondary schools and top officials of the state government.
Highlights of the event was the unveiling of a book titled ‘Beyond Passion’ written in memory of late Chief Adeseun Ogundoyin and donation of the sum of five million naira to Sickle Cell Hope Alive Foundation, a charity organization dedicated to voluntary treatment of sickle cell patients in the state.