Wife of the former Governor of Anambra State, Chief (Mrs) Ebelechukwu Obiano
(Osodieme) has paid 12-month health insurance premiums, for 100 persons living with a Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD)
The event which was held on Saturday September 6th 2025 at the Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home, Agulu, had many beneficiaries in attendance from Onitsha, Awka, Aguata and Nnewi zones and were registered into Anambra State Health Insurance (ASHIA).
Speaking during the event, National Coordinator, Association of Persons Living with Sickle Cell Disorder, and Director, Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home, Agulu, Mrs. Aisha Edwards Maduagwu thanked Mrs. Obiano for giving them an opportunity to live a healthy and improved life.
Mrs. Maduagwu while commending the former first lady for her commitment in improving the lives of persons living with sickle cell disorder. She called for implementation of the
sickle cell law which was passed in to law by the Anambra State House of Assembly when Chief Willie Obiano was Governor.
” Over 100 persons with sickle cell disorder have been enrolled into the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme, ensuring they receive comprehensive medical care without financial burden.
“This initiative bridges the gap in healthcare access for sickle cell patients, enabling us to manage our conditions effectively and lead fulfilling lives, thereby reducing mortality rates.
“Today, we gather to celebrate a historic milestone in our journey towards a more inclusive compassionate society. The mass capturing of sickle cell persons into the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme marks a significant breakthrough in our quest for accessible healthcare.
“After leaving office as the first lady of Anambra State, Osodieme who is the founder of the Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFE) has continued to commit her resources into providing succor to the less privileged, partnering with our organization to provide the real solution to myriads of challenges facing Anambra citizens with sickle cell disorder, particularly in healthcare management.
“The non-compliance with the sickle cell law has reversed any meaningful progress made so far towards sickle cell eradication. It beats our imaginations how we can all lean back and pretend that all is well, while numerous families continue birthing sickle cell children, some as much as 5 children in a single family.
“Last month alone, our organization lost five registered members to death, which traumatic experience propelled us to now crying out ceaselessly.
” It is only our organization that engages in sickle cell sensitization and genotype awareness across the length of Anambra State. Those who should utilize government apparatuses for a possible turnaround against this hydra headed monster, are aloof and enjoying the warmth of their cozy offices, while SCD persons are succumbing to their conditions in numbers without any hope in sight.
“We are speaking boldly today because we wear the shoes and know where it pinches most. To my fellow warriors, don’t allow any form of stigmatization or having people discriminate against you, but speak out boldly and contact the organization for further actions where necessary”. Maduagwu submitted.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen, Dr. Ngozika Ifediora who represented MD/CEO of ASHIA, Dr. Simon Onyemaeche said the insurance cost 1,500 for each person, and commended Mrs. Obiano for spending 1.2 millions for the registration for the persons living with sickle cell.
“The crowd is more than the persons paid for, and its a medium for us to also encourage and employ other philanthropist to imitate the kind gesture of the former First lady of Anambra State by paying for those who cannot avoid to register.
” In Anambra, more than 250,000 persons have registered”. She remarked.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
palliatives and drugs were shared to the beneficiaries.
