Mrs Opeyemi Afolabi, a sickle cell disorder (SCD) patient, has shared her experience of losing a job after her employer was informed about her medical condition. She expressed her disappointment while speaking at an event in Lagos on Saturday.
The occasion was the Grand Finale of the “Project Empower A Warrior 3.0”, organised by the Crimson Bow Sickle Cell Initiative, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting individuals with SCD. Afolabi was among 300 other SCD patients in attendance, highlighting the importance of self-belief despite challenges.
The theme of the empowerment programme was “Health and Wealth: Balancing Entrepreneurship in Sickle Cell,” which emphasised the need for SCD patients to focus on entrepreneurship while maintaining their health. During the event, Afolabi encouraged other people living with the disorder to have confidence in themselves and not to let society's perception define or limit them.
Afolabi, now an entrepreneur, advised fellow SCD patients to approach life with determination, resilience, and an understanding of their physical capabilities. She said: “You must prioritise your health. Don’t bite more than you can chew. You need to understand your body, strength, and weaknesses while engaging in entrepreneurship.”
Another entrepreneur and SCD patient, Mr Oluwagbohunmi Dada, also shared his experiences, noting that sickle cell anaemia has not been given the attention it deserves in the country. Dada said, “I’m here because I actually do have sickle cell. I am a warrior. I am here today to encourage others that sickle cell anaemia is not a death sentence.”
Dada highlighted his successful career and personal life, saying: “It is not something to fear or believe that your life will be limited. I have had a decent career, I’m married with kids, and I run a business. Sickle cell does not mean you are confined to a particular space.”
He called for more support for SCD patients in the country, particularly in the areas of government-funded research and private medical initiatives aimed at finding solutions to the challenges they face.
Dada urged SCD patients to participate in entrepreneurship and use it as a tool to navigate the current economic conditions. He said: “Put your energy into entrepreneurship. Nothing is easy, but focusing on your business can solve many problems. Believe in yourself, and don’t allow anyone to write you off.”
Miss Timi Edwin, the Founder and CEO of Crimson Bow, encouraged the patients to focus on their health and entrepreneurship as ways to survive the difficult economic environment. She praised the Lagos State Government for its support but called for further efforts to help SCD patients live normal lives.
Mrs Folashade Shinkaye, Chairperson of Crimson Bow Sickle Cell Initiative, echoed the importance of building entrepreneurship among SCD patients, emphasising that it is essential for their self-sufficiency.
Guest Lecturer Mr Gabriel Omin also urged SCD patients to engage in profitable business ventures without risking their health. Omin, a Business Consultant, cautioned against stress, which could trigger a sickle cell crisis. “Know your limits and work within them,” he advised.
The NAN Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the organisers empowered over 250 people living with SCD with entrepreneurial skills and provided startup grants for the most outstanding participants.