A non -governmental organization, the Nirvana initiative, has requested a broader commitment to promotion, education and direct support to the community of falciform cells in Nigeria and throughout Africa.
The founder of the group, Mrs. Modupeola Babawale, said the initiative is dedicated to improving the lives of people living with falciform cell disorder.
Speaking at an event held to commemorate World Sickle World World 2025, with the theme “Stronger together”, in Agege, Lagos, Babawale said the event was organized for Fette Sickle Cell Warriors and caregivers for a day of support, healing and connection.
Speaking on the subject, he said that “stronger together” was more than a subject, since it was a growing movement to reduce stigma, increase consciousness and make sure no warrior remained.
This event marks the first of its kind by the Nirvana initiative since its foundation in 2015 and indicates a new direction for the organization.
“This is just the beginning. We want to take this model to more communities, especially the unattended, where warriors are often forgotten. All warriors deserve to be seen. All warriors deserve support.”
“The initiative is to build a community that focuses not only on the conscience and defense of the genotype, but also on the emotional, social and everyday realities of the people who live with the condition.”
“In a sincere session that opened the floor to shared experiences, the warriors and caregivers spoke frankly about the physical and emotional cost of living with falciform cells.”
“The conversations mentioned the challenges of self -esteem, stigma and emotional isolation that many warriors face. For many, the event marked the first time they felt seen, heard and surrounded by others who understood their trip.”
“We wanted to create more than a simple medical dissemination, our goal is to build safe spaces for warriors to receive attention and connect with others that really get it.”
The founder said they talk a lot about the conscience of the genotype in Nigeria, and although that was important, they must also focus on people living with falciform cells.
She said that they cannot continue to be overlooked because living with falciform cells was not just about handling pain and survival, but that it was about living, recovering joy, trust and community.
Babawale admitted that Kredi Bank supported a part of the dissemination, who generously donated routine medications to help ensure that warriors had access to consistent attention.
The founder said that the event also had discussions of lifestyle, mental health advice and open microphone sessions, affirming the message that medical care was not complete without emotional care.
She said attendees received free routine medications, attention packages and access to medical consultations, but beyond health support, what really resonated was the sense of community, visibility and belonging that filled the space.
The dissemination coordinator and the certified nursing assistant, Stephen Oladipupuo, said the event also aimed to challenge stereotypes about patients with falciform cells.
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Oladipupo explained that the program allowed the beneficiaries to gather, share experiences and realize that they are not alone in their health trips.
One of the beneficiaries, a 50 -year -old warrior, Mrs. Mosunmola Bamigbola, urged her fellow warriors to prioritize self -care and not believe myths about dying young.
“It is false that falciform cell warriors must die young. With adequate care, we can live long and satisfactory lives,” he said.
Bamigbola said he remains healthy drinking a lot of water, avoiding the cold and eating fruits and vegetables regularly to handle his condition.
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