Ambode pledges support for sickle-cell patients

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has promised to support the completion of the bone marrow transplant centre to enhance the treatment of people suffering from sickle-cell disorder. Amode said this at his induction as the patron of the Sickle Cell Club, Lagos, by the Chairman of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Nigeria, Prof. Olu Akinyanju, and the National Director of the foundation, Annette Akinsete, at the Lagos State House, Ikeja. Akinyanju said the visit to Ambode was to commemorate his selection as the patron of the Sickle Cell Club Lagos and also solicit the continued partnership and support of the state government, adding that it would go a long way to benefit victims of the disorder and their families. In his reaction, Ambode expressed optimism that the establishment of the centre would be a major breakthrough, adding that the state government would provide support in line with the cardinal programmes of his administration to touch as many lives as possible. He said, “I am surrounded by people who have sickle- cell disorder so I understand the importance of what you are doing. In my personal capacity, I have also tried to touch lives. “I know what sickle-cell disorder means to the average Nigerian family. Like you rightly pointed out, every extended family in Nigeria is affected by this and for a non-governmental organisation to come up and be in existence for almost two decades is commendable.” Ambode added that, “The strides you have made speaks volume of your level of commitment and the need to touch humanity which is something that also affects me. “Whatever it is that we have had in terms of partnership with the Ministry of Health, we are going to intensify it. “I know that by doing this, we will be doing the major assignment given to us by God which is touching humanity. I want to thank you greatly for bestowing this honour on me.” Ambode pledged support for the establishment of Bone Marrow Stem Cell Technology, adding that though was in the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, the state government as part of its contribution, would make sure that it commenced next year.