The United Nations earmarked June 19th, 2025 as World Sickle Cell Day. In Anambra State, the Governorship candidate of the Young Progressive Party, YPP, in the November 8, 2025, Anambra State Governorship Election, called for collective action through awareness, to combat sickle cell anemia.
Paul Chukwuma, who was represented by the YPP Deputy Governorship candidate, Uzu Okagbue, at the Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home, Agulu, to commemorate World Sickle Cell Day, observed that a joint effort is required to confine sickle cell to the dustbin of history. “To be able to stop sickle cell, we must jointly stamp out the scourge of ignorance that enables parents to give birth to children before they ascertain their genotype,” Sir Paul said while calling on the government, communities, Churches and individuals to commit to ending sickle cell. Recounting his encounter with sickle cell anemia, Sir Paul regretted that he lost a brother, Hyginus Chidalu Chukwuma. “I am often reminded of my brother, Hyginus Chukwuma who suffered from sickle cell. Many of us have a close family member or friend who has suffered from sickle cell. This is why we should no longer accept this as a verdict of nature”, Paul Chukwuma emphasized.
However, the YPP governorship hopeful stressed that sickle cell is not a death sentence, as he encouraged those living with it to live fully and see the disorder as just one of life’s challenges. “It is just one of those challenges of life, and every one of us has their fair share of life’s challenges. But we can end it and we will end it,” Chukwuma noted.
In her remarks, the Director of the Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home, Agulu, Aisha Edward Maduagwu, commended Governor Soludo and his wife, Nonye, for their support. She thanked Sir Paul Chukwuma for “his constant support, generosity, and gift of ambulance donated to our home,” Aisha said. She equally thanked the former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, who commissioned the ambulance donated by Sir Paul Chukwuma, through his representative, Valentine Obienyem.
On his part, Uzu Okagbue, the YPP Deputy Governorship candidate, observed that “Sir Paul Chukwuma is and has continued to be selfless.” Like Paul Chukwuma, Uzu Okagbue also said he lost a brother, Sunday Okoye, to sickle cell. He went on to challenge stakeholders to do more, to go beyond philanthropy, and to emulate Sir Paul Chukwuma, in service to God and mankind in ending the era of sickle cell. Okagbue also assured that they would do all it takes to ensure that the kids live to the fullest. “We must do more than philanthropy. We will ensure that these children live to the fullest. We will be part of this journey. I am convinced beyond doubt that we can put an end to this,” Uzu Okagbue said. He further assured the Sickle Cell Orphanage home of more support from Sir Paul Chukwuma.
The event was attended by Sir Paul Chukwuma, who was represented by Uzu Okagbue, Chief Jude Osude, Hon. Ralph Okeke, and Chief Mike Ejezie. The former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, was represented by Valentine Obienyem. Meanwhile, Valentine Ozigbo, was also at the event to commemorate the 2025 World Sickle Cell Day.
Ebuka graduated with a second-class upper-division degree in Political Science from the University of Calabar in Nigeria. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master's Degree in Political Science with a specialization in Government and Development Studies from Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Nigeria. His academic background and professional experience have equipped him with a deep understanding of political dynamics and governance issues.
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