Lagos State Government has charged secondary school students to become champions of sickle cell awareness by knowing their genotype, promoting informed decision-making and educating their peers, declaring that sustained public enlightenment remains one of the most effective strategies for reducing the burden of sickle cell disorder across the State.

Delivering the keynote address at an Inter-school Debate and Quiz Competition for Secondary Schools in Lagos State to commemorate 2026 World Sickle Cell Day, held at the NUT Pavilion Event Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, said every individual must understand his or her genotype and its implications before making life-changing decisions, particularly on marriage and family planning.

Dr. Lajide, who listened to part of the debate on whether government should prevent people with sickle cell traits from marrying one another, declined to take a position on the motion but stressed that the most important issue was ensuring that everyone is well informed. “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.

The Permanent Secretary noted that sickle cell disorder extends beyond medical complications, explaining that affected families often face emotional, physical and financial hardships arising from frequent hospital visits, recurring pain crises and prolonged treatment. She urged students to become ambassadors of awareness by sharing the knowledge acquired during the competition with their friends, classmates, siblings and parents, while appreciating partners, NGOs and healthcare professionals supporting sickle cell advocacy in Lagos State.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Acting Director of Disease Control, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Abosede Wellington, said Lagos deliberately chose a debate and quiz competition to commemorate World Sickle Cell Day because the State was committed to creating lasting impact rather than limiting activities to ceremonial observance.

According to Wellington, the competition was designed to equip future leaders with accurate knowledge and positive values on sickle cell disorder, enabling them to become informed advocates capable of making sound health decisions for themselves, their families and society. She expressed confidence that the participating students would once again demonstrate exceptional brilliance, eloquence and critical thinking.

She encouraged the contestants to enjoy the exercise while recognising that every participant was already a winner, saying the event offered opportunities for learning, knowledge sharing and personal development beyond the prizes at stake.

Delivering a goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), Dr. Victoria Egunjobi, described information as power, urging students to spread awareness on sickle cell disorder in their schools and homes while celebrating the courage and 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, Miss Timi Edwin, told participants that sickle cell disorder is not a death sentence, noting that many people living with the condition now live longer, healthier and more productive lives. She commended the Lagos State Government and the Ministry of Health for sustaining initiatives that combat stigma and promote inclusion.

Also speaking, Consultant with the Clinton Health Access Initiative, Timilehin Rotimi-Ojo, urged students to continue conversations on genotype awareness after the competition by asking family members and friends a simple but vital question: “Do you know your genotype?” She also called for greater empathy and support for sickle cell warriors.

Executive Director of Couples and Kids Social Initiative, Miss Tofunmi Adekola, praised the Lagos State Government for its sustained commitment to improving the lives of persons living with sickle cell disorder, encouraging contestants to approach the competition with confidence, courage and self-belief.

Editor-in-Chief of Sickle Cell News and author of Menace in My Blood, Ayoola Olajide, who is living with sickle cell disorder, reinforced the campaign message by recounting his recent attendance at the 90th birthday celebration of a fellow sickle cell warrior, describing the milestone as proof that people living with the condition can enjoy long and fulfilling lives with proper care and support. Founder of the Lagos State University Sickle Cell Society, Ayomide Durodola, equally called for an end to stigma and discrimination against persons living with sickle cell disorder.

Speaking after the competition, winner of the quiz category, Aminat Akintelu of Oriwu Junior Model College, expressed gratitude for the victory, saying the competition deepened her understanding of genotype compatibility, sickle cell interventions and support systems despite the challenge of balancing preparation with schoolwork.

Winner of the debate competition, Abdulyekeen Ramatallahi of Surulere Senior Secondary School, Alagbado, dedicated his victory to his teacher, Mr. Alebiosu, while advocating expanded government-sponsored genotype awareness campaigns and free or subsidised genotype testing to help young people make informed decisions before marriage. His teacher, Mr. Ayo Alebiosu, commended the Ministry of Health for organising the initiative, revealing that the school continued intensive rehearsals throughout the holiday period to secure victory while urging Nigerians to know their genotype.

At the end of the keenly contested competition, Surulere Senior Secondary School, Alagbado emerged winner of the debate competition, followed by Community High School, Majidun in second place and Alimosho Senior High School in third. In the quiz category, Aminat Akintelu of Oriwu Junior Model College clinched first position, while Akapo Ayomide Raphael of Mende Junior High School and Adedeji Emmanuel of Alimosho Junior Grammar School finished second and third respectively.

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