FREEDOM FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH SICKLE CELL ANEMIA AT LAST BY ANAMBRA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY ON SPECIAL PLENARY SESSION TUESDAY 30/4/19
PRESS RELEASE :
At Long Last, here comes light at the end of a tunnel. A new Dawn is imminent. The Sickle Cell Law is on the brink of implementation. This is practically what I have been living for. This Law emancipates persons living with Sickle Cell Anemia. Sets them free from all kinds of oppression, abuse, exploitation, etc. The Sickle Cell Law, will in no small way, help to check deprivation of rights of persons living with Sickle Cell Anemia, which is the biggest challenge we are constantly faced with. In Actuality, a good number of Anemic persons are born into wealth, with a spoon made from shiny silver, but end up reducing their parents to penury.
They go through a lot of discrimination, experience marginalization in virtually every sphere of their lives and existence as human beings. They are not given jobs, with employers chanting excuses of how they cannot efficiently carry out tasks that are assigned them. How they are physically unfit and could die any minute.
Some unavoidable evils that come with the Sickle Cell Disorder like ulcer of the leg can really mess up appearance and employers equally use that as grounds to not employ anemic persons. And this kills their self-esteem.
women living with the disorder are seen as ill-suited to get married, as they may lose a lot of blood and die during child birth, their husbands perceive them as romantically dysfunctional, hence cheating on them. Women also take undue advantage of their husbands living with the disorder because they know they are incapable of getting physical with them.
Here is just an avenue to appreciate, eulogize and ultimately charge those key persons who have supported, lent a voice, joined the fight. It is through our concerted effort, we have been able to make a great headway in the right direction.
My first point of call, Is of course, God Almighty, who in his infinite mercies and love has kept me, as well as other persons living with the Sickle Cell Disorder. His help in my life can never be over emphasized.
Then to the Anambra State House of Assembly. For their resolution to lead off history in the fight against Sickle Cell in Nigeria and Africa at large. To the Force Persons (Nigerian Army, Police Officers, and DSS) who have been supportive both financially and physically.
Before now, handling of offenders and offences were not as strict. As offenders could easily bail or manipulate their way through. But with the passage of this bill into law, one can be rest assured of a more uncompromising and solid approach towards the way and manner cases regarding Sickle Cell will be handled.
To the member of the honorable House, who sponsored the law, It's Safe to say we owe you our lives. As you have taken the step to take away pain and anguish from our lives, may pain and anguish also be far from you.
To the Anambra State House of Assembly Speaker, let me assert here, that I am at peace with you, and very proud of you. Not because you’re a speaker, but because you’re a mother. The fact that the law is to be passed in your tenure is a significant height attained. And so I appeal to you to monitor the process and ensure that the Law gets to a logical conclusion. I pray that you do not watch it die, as the governor’s assent and eventual implementation is paramount.
To our Spiritual Directors, Chaplains; Bishop's wives, You play very cardinal roles in our lives. Providing both Spiritual and psychological support. If this Law hadn’t been passed, sincerely, I would have been confused about my faith, derailing and doubting whether truly God exists. Nobody should be quick to judge me, I know what I have been through. And how many Anemic persons have given up hope on God. But this Law rejuvenates my faith and I’d help bring people to the knowingness that indeed, there is a God in Heaven.
To the Medical Practitioners, especially those in the teaching and general hospitals; It is a victory for us all. The Government would now realize the importance to give subventions and this will aid in the treatment and care give to Persons Living with Sickle Cell Disorder as well as cater to the needs of the Hospital, doctors and nurses inclusive. A big 'Thank You' to those doctors who show empathy and understanding, when Patients stay longer than the estimated time for treatment and recovery.
To my Moslem and Northern Brothers who help me face reality, Who help me confront my fears, giving me every opportunity to work and serve as a first class citizen even as I enjoyed my chosen career in my life time and wishing me all the best in life, I say thank You and I am coming to distribute copies of the Law to the northern states for my people there to be set free like we are today. You all are priceless.
Also, to those at the National Assembly, Senators-Elect, we urge you all to not fall short of expectation. Do the needful. Let the passage of the Sickle Cell Eradication and welfare law for persons living With SCD to get to National level.
To the Executive Governor, Dr. Willie Obiano and Wife, let me are this juncture, remind you of your promises of freedom, love care and support. Please, remain focused and do not let anyone distract you from doing as promised. Let me also implore the governor and his wife to try and make out time to come and at least see us in person. Have an interpersonal chat with us. So that way we don’t get to feel like we’re been sidelined or treated as castaways or Second-hand citizens of the state.
The sending of delegates and use of care givers. Can sometimes be ineffective. As some care givers cut corners and sometimes use funds and other care packages to enrich themselves instead. If first hand attention can be given to widows, the physically challenged, if full mobility can be given to Persons Living with HIV, Boys Scout and Girls Guide why not to those, who carry the cross ignorantly handed to them by their parents and society.
How can I even forget to mention the Media. The nerves and veins of my communication. The avenue through which I reach out. We are truly nothing without the media. They indeed perform the mandate to inform and educate people about the dangers of Sickle Cell Anemia and provide the platform for us to speak out. God bless the members of the media, Nigeria Union of Journalists.
Pheew, the list is endless. To those who genuinely help in the fight and show support to the cause, more power to your elbows. Please continue the good work, until the law is fully implemented and operational.
The passage of this Law, is a new Dawn. a victory for us, for Anambra State Government, Nigeria and Africa at Large.
I will no longer cry about joblessness among my qualified graduate members. I am now absolutely sure, that my children are entitled to Job Slots and employment spaces at least at state and local government levels. I can retire to rest, without fear or uncertainty about the future of my children living with SCD.
On that note,
I say Long Live Anambra State,
Long Live Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
Let us not relent.
Let’s not give up the fight against Sickle Cell Anemia.
Behold, the birth of a New Dawn.
Aisha Edward
National Coordinator
APLSCD.
30/4/19
At Long Last, here comes light at the end of a tunnel. A new Dawn is imminent. The Sickle Cell Law is on the brink of implementation. This is practically what I have been living for. This Law emancipates persons living with Sickle Cell Anemia. Sets them free from all kinds of oppression, abuse, exploitation, etc. The Sickle Cell Law, will in no small way, help to check deprivation of rights of persons living with Sickle Cell Anemia, which is the biggest challenge we are constantly faced with. In Actuality, a good number of Anemic persons are born into wealth, with a spoon made from shiny silver, but end up reducing their parents to penury.
They go through a lot of discrimination, experience marginalization in virtually every sphere of their lives and existence as human beings. They are not given jobs, with employers chanting excuses of how they cannot efficiently carry out tasks that are assigned them. How they are physically unfit and could die any minute.
Some unavoidable evils that come with the Sickle Cell Disorder like ulcer of the leg can really mess up appearance and employers equally use that as grounds to not employ anemic persons. And this kills their self-esteem.
women living with the disorder are seen as ill-suited to get married, as they may lose a lot of blood and die during child birth, their husbands perceive them as romantically dysfunctional, hence cheating on them. Women also take undue advantage of their husbands living with the disorder because they know they are incapable of getting physical with them.
Here is just an avenue to appreciate, eulogize and ultimately charge those key persons who have supported, lent a voice, joined the fight. It is through our concerted effort, we have been able to make a great headway in the right direction.
My first point of call, Is of course, God Almighty, who in his infinite mercies and love has kept me, as well as other persons living with the Sickle Cell Disorder. His help in my life can never be over emphasized.
Then to the Anambra State House of Assembly. For their resolution to lead off history in the fight against Sickle Cell in Nigeria and Africa at large. To the Force Persons (Nigerian Army, Police Officers, and DSS) who have been supportive both financially and physically.
Before now, handling of offenders and offences were not as strict. As offenders could easily bail or manipulate their way through. But with the passage of this bill into law, one can be rest assured of a more uncompromising and solid approach towards the way and manner cases regarding Sickle Cell will be handled.
To the member of the honorable House, who sponsored the law, It's Safe to say we owe you our lives. As you have taken the step to take away pain and anguish from our lives, may pain and anguish also be far from you.
To the Anambra State House of Assembly Speaker, let me assert here, that I am at peace with you, and very proud of you. Not because you’re a speaker, but because you’re a mother. The fact that the law is to be passed in your tenure is a significant height attained. And so I appeal to you to monitor the process and ensure that the Law gets to a logical conclusion. I pray that you do not watch it die, as the governor’s assent and eventual implementation is paramount.
To our Spiritual Directors, Chaplains; Bishop's wives, You play very cardinal roles in our lives. Providing both Spiritual and psychological support. If this Law hadn’t been passed, sincerely, I would have been confused about my faith, derailing and doubting whether truly God exists. Nobody should be quick to judge me, I know what I have been through. And how many Anemic persons have given up hope on God. But this Law rejuvenates my faith and I’d help bring people to the knowingness that indeed, there is a God in Heaven.
To the Medical Practitioners, especially those in the teaching and general hospitals; It is a victory for us all. The Government would now realize the importance to give subventions and this will aid in the treatment and care give to Persons Living with Sickle Cell Disorder as well as cater to the needs of the Hospital, doctors and nurses inclusive. A big 'Thank You' to those doctors who show empathy and understanding, when Patients stay longer than the estimated time for treatment and recovery.
To my Moslem and Northern Brothers who help me face reality, Who help me confront my fears, giving me every opportunity to work and serve as a first class citizen even as I enjoyed my chosen career in my life time and wishing me all the best in life, I say thank You and I am coming to distribute copies of the Law to the northern states for my people there to be set free like we are today. You all are priceless.
Also, to those at the National Assembly, Senators-Elect, we urge you all to not fall short of expectation. Do the needful. Let the passage of the Sickle Cell Eradication and welfare law for persons living With SCD to get to National level.
To the Executive Governor, Dr. Willie Obiano and Wife, let me are this juncture, remind you of your promises of freedom, love care and support. Please, remain focused and do not let anyone distract you from doing as promised. Let me also implore the governor and his wife to try and make out time to come and at least see us in person. Have an interpersonal chat with us. So that way we don’t get to feel like we’re been sidelined or treated as castaways or Second-hand citizens of the state.
The sending of delegates and use of care givers. Can sometimes be ineffective. As some care givers cut corners and sometimes use funds and other care packages to enrich themselves instead. If first hand attention can be given to widows, the physically challenged, if full mobility can be given to Persons Living with HIV, Boys Scout and Girls Guide why not to those, who carry the cross ignorantly handed to them by their parents and society.
How can I even forget to mention the Media. The nerves and veins of my communication. The avenue through which I reach out. We are truly nothing without the media. They indeed perform the mandate to inform and educate people about the dangers of Sickle Cell Anemia and provide the platform for us to speak out. God bless the members of the media, Nigeria Union of Journalists.
Pheew, the list is endless. To those who genuinely help in the fight and show support to the cause, more power to your elbows. Please continue the good work, until the law is fully implemented and operational.
The passage of this Law, is a new Dawn. a victory for us, for Anambra State Government, Nigeria and Africa at Large.
I will no longer cry about joblessness among my qualified graduate members. I am now absolutely sure, that my children are entitled to Job Slots and employment spaces at least at state and local government levels. I can retire to rest, without fear or uncertainty about the future of my children living with SCD.
On that note,
I say Long Live Anambra State,
Long Live Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
Let us not relent.
Let’s not give up the fight against Sickle Cell Anemia.
Behold, the birth of a New Dawn.
Aisha Edward
National Coordinator
APLSCD.
30/4/19
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