The Lagos State Government has urged secondary school students to become champions of sickle cell awareness by knowing their genotype, making informed decisions and educating others, saying public enlightenment remains key to reducing the disorder’s burden.
The charge was given at the 2026 World Sickle Cell Day Inter-School Debate and Quiz Competition held at the NUT Pavilion Event Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, said everyone must know their genotype before making major life decisions, especially on marriage and family planning. She noted that sickle cell disorder affects families emotionally, physically and financially, and urged students to share what they learned with friends and family.
Acting Director of Disease Control, Dr. Abosede Wellington, said the state chose a debate and quiz to create lasting impact and equip young people with accurate knowledge. She said every participant was already a winner because the event offered learning and personal growth.
HEFAMAA Executive Secretary, Dr. Victoria Egunjobi, described information as power and urged students to spread awareness while celebrating people living with the condition. Coalition of Sickle Cell NGOs Chairperson, Miss Timi Edwin, said sickle cell is not a death sentence and praised the state for fighting stigma.
Other speakers, including Timilehin Rotimi-Ojo, Miss Tofunmi Adekola, Ayoola Olajide and Ayomide Durodola, called for more genotype awareness, empathy and an end to discrimination.
Quiz winner Aminat Akintelu of Oriwu Junior Model College said the competition improved her understanding of genotype compatibility and sickle cell support. Debate winner Abdulyekeen Ramatallahi of Surulere Senior Secondary School, Alagbado, dedicated his victory to his teacher and called for free or subsidised genotype testing.
Surulere Senior Secondary School, Alagbado, won the debate category, followed by Community High School, Majidun, and Alimosho Senior High School. In the quiz category, Aminat Akintelu came first, while Akapo Ayomide Raphael of Mende Junior High School and Adedeji Emmanuel of Alimosho Junior Grammar School placed second and third.
