By Ayomide Otitoju
The Lagos State Government has called on secondary school students to take the lead in raising awareness about sickle cell disorder by knowing their genotype, promoting informed decision-making and educating their peers as part of efforts to reduce the prevalence of the condition.
The charge was given during an inter-school debate and quiz competition organised to commemorate the 2026 World Sickle Cell Day at the NUT Pavilion Event Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, stressed the importance of genotype awareness, urging young people to understand their genetic status before making critical life decisions, particularly those relating to marriage and family planning.
Addressing participants after listening to part of the debate on whether individuals with sickle cell traits should be prevented from marrying, Lajide declined to support either side of the argument, insisting that access to accurate information remained the most important factor.
“We must all be informed. Every individual needs to know their genotype and understand what it means so they can make informed decisions about their future,” she said.
She noted that sickle cell disorder places significant emotional, physical and financial burdens on affected families due to recurring pain crises, frequent hospital visits and prolonged treatment. She urged students to become advocates by sharing the knowledge gained during the competition with their classmates, families and communities.
Earlier, the Acting Director of Disease Control at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Abosede Wellington, said the debate and quiz competition was designed to create lasting awareness rather than mark World Sickle Cell Day with ceremonial activities alone.
According to her, the initiative seeks to equip young people with accurate knowledge about sickle cell disorder and genotype compatibility, enabling them to make informed health decisions and serve as advocates within their communities.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), Dr. Victoria Egunjobi, encouraged students to spread awareness about sickle cell disorder and celebrate the resilience of people living with the condition.
Chairperson of the Coalition of Sickle Cell NGOs and Chief Executive Officer of Crimson Bow Sickle Cell Initiative, Timi Edwin, said sickle cell disorder is not a death sentence, noting that improved healthcare has enabled many people living with the condition to enjoy longer and more productive lives.
Consultant with the Clinton Health Access Initiative, Timilehin Rotimi-Ojo, urged participants to continue promoting genotype awareness by encouraging relatives and friends to know their genotype, while Executive Director of Couples and Kids Social Initiative, Tofunmi Adekola, commended the Lagos State Government for sustaining programmes that support people living with sickle cell disorder.
Editor-in-Chief of Sickle Cell News and author of Menace in My Blood, Ayoola Olajide, who lives with sickle cell disorder, called for an end to stigma, citing the recent 90th birthday celebration of a fellow sickle cell warrior as evidence that those living with the condition can enjoy long and fulfilling lives with proper care. The founder of the Lagos State University Sickle Cell Society, Ayomide Durodola, also urged Nigerians to reject discrimination against people living with the disorder.
At the end of the competition, Surulere Senior Secondary School, Alagbado, emerged winner of the debate category, with Community High School, Majidun, finishing second and Alimosho Senior High School placing third.
In the quiz competition, Aminat Akintelu of Oriwu Junior Model College won first place, while Akapo Ayomide Raphael of Mende Junior High School and Adedeji Emmanuel of Alimosho Junior Grammar School finished second and third respectively.
Speaking after the event, Akintelu said the competition broadened her understanding of genotype compatibility and sickle cell interventions despite the challenge of balancing preparation with schoolwork.
Winner of the debate category, Abdulyekeen Ramatallahi of Surulere Senior Secondary School, dedicated the victory to his teacher, Mr. Ayo Alebiosu, and called for expanded government-sponsored genotype awareness campaigns as well as free or subsidised genotype testing to help young Nigerians make informed decisions before marriage.Copyright TRUSTAFRICA NEWS.
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