By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The wife of the Delta State Governor, Dame Edith Okowa has been commended for her efforts to fight and stop the spread of new Sickle Cell cases in the state, through her 05 Initiatives as the organisation inaugurates its Obiaruku Sickle Cell Clinic.
The commendations came from the member representing the Ukwuani State Constituency, and Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon Ochor Ochor and his wife, Mrs Anna Ochor on Monday June 20, 2022, in Obiaruku.
The two spoke on the sidelines of the inauguration exercise, amidst celebration with those with Sickle Cell disorder, who are referred to as warriors.
The duo thanked the wife of the governor and founder 05 initiative for the establishment of the clinic, which they said, will ameliorate the hardship they face in accessing good healthcare.
The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ochor Ochor, while commending the first lady, said that the newly commissioned Obiaruku Sickle Cell clinic by the wife of the State Governor, is a mark of fulfilment.
He said that Ukwuani belongs to the council areas where the Sickle Cell clinics have been established, as survival warriors of sickle cell traits would no longer be going through the stress of traveling to Warri or Asaba to get treatment.
On her part, Anna Ochor said the inauguration ended in praise as survivors will now access the treatment close to their homes, while encouraging parents and guardians to ensure children, family members and friends know about the clinic in the area.
“We call on health workers, caregivers and stakeholders to continuously carry out sensitization programmes to educate the public and encourage sickle cell warriors to stay healthy and live normal lives”. She said.
Speaking further, she said citing and equipping the hospital has brought light and hope to the people as it was formerly a children’s hospital, abandoned for 22 years.
The couple praised the founder of the 05′ initiative, saying commissioning of the Obiaruku Sickle Cell clinic, and her commitment to leaving a legacy that will endure for all time, has to be encouraged by all.
Earlier, the wife of the governor and founder, Dame Edith Okowa said the 05 initiatives is passionately committed to putting a stop to new births with Sickle Cells cases, hence the message, “know your genotype and compatible level”.
She said the theme for the 2022 World Sickle Cell Day, “Shinning the light on sickle cell” is apt as the surviving warriors need all the love, care and attention they can get.
Flanged by some women from Ndokwa Nation who were on ground to welcome her, the wife of the governor who had earlier commissioned the well equipped sickle cell clinic, said it is the 23rd of such being established in the state and thanked Ukwuani people for their unity, peaceful disposition and warm reception.
The event was later wrapped up with a photo shot and dance time by Dame Edith Okowa, Mrs Ann Ochor-Ochor and other women present.
