The Sickle Cell Hope Alive Foundation, (SCHAF) has honoured the Managing Director of CEOAFRICA, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, with a prestigious EXCELLENCE AWARD.

This award is in recognition of his outstanding support in the fight against Sickle Cell Diseases since 2012 that the foundation started, today 13th December, 2023 at the Apex event Centre, Yidi Road, Agodi, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The award was received by CEOAFRICA Admin Head, at the event which was tagged “SCHAF 2023 Gifting Day”.

During the award presentation, Prof. Adeyinka specially acknowledge and appraise the contributions of CEO AFRICA for their relentless efforts to the success and progress of the SCHAF foundation.

In her words “The organization that just came out now (CEO AFRICA), mean a lot to SCHAF. They are here voluntarily to come and take the awareness to the whole of Africa.

“They are the ones helping us and we want to appreciate them, please give them a round of applause” she said.

Professor Gladys Falusi, the winner of UNESCO-L’Oreal in 2001 and professor of Hematology started the foundation in 2012 to increase the awareness and improve the quality of care and support for sickle cell patients. The foundation has since then continued to lay a giant stride in the sickle cell world. She recently partnered with the Oyo state NYSC chapter and have been able to established the foundation presence in 5 major zones of NYSC in the state with the KYG campaign.

Reflecting on their journey, Professor Gladys expressed gratitude to God for the success of all the activities the foundation embarked on in the course of the year despite all the challenges they encountered and the unwavering support received over the years from the sponsorship of various pharmaceutical companies, donations, volunteers and the recent collaboration with the NYSC, which was instrumental in helping to provide assistance and support to larger number of sickle cell warriors with improved care.

She equally lauds the efforts of the Nigerian government in their support for the sickle cell organization. She further pleads for more support from the government especially in the insurance aspect as the type of care and support the sickle cell patients require is a lifetime commitment.

On her part, the President of the Foundation, Prof. Oluwatoyin NWAFOR, Professor of Infectious Disease in Medicine also added that the government should continue to look at initiative that helps with screening and education around sickle cell disease as there are large number of people out there who are not aware of how the disease can be managed. So, the government can put in place empowerment program and fund research to support those living with sickle cell disease.

Hon. Justice Tayo Osoba was the Chaiman of the historic event.

As SCHAF celebrates its 11th year of relentless effort, the foundation remains steadfast in its mission to provide hope, assistance and empowerment to individuals battling with sickle cell disease. With the continued support of sponsors, volunteers and the community at large, SCHAF aims to make an even greater impact in the years to come.

Other dignitaries present at the occasion are Prof. Soliu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, Hon. Comm. For Education Science and Technology, Oyo State, Prof. Aina Adeogun of the OWSD Ibadan, Mr. Dele Opeyemi of the Global Masters Institute Canada and others

Recall that Prince Ilobanafor had in September 2023, received the prestigious ARIKANA EXCELLENCE AWARD by the African Diaspora Development Institute (ADDI) Washington DC, for his contributions to expanding the frontiers socio-economic development of the African continent.

The Enugu born media guru, has many other stars to his shoulders. Few of which are the award of honor at the 60th anniversary of the Sacred Heart Private School Ibadan, in recognition and appreciation for his support towards the development of the school in October 2023; a LIFETIME AWARD by the Global African Heroes of African-Union Diaspora at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for contributing to the socioeconomic development of the Pan African society in May 2023 at the organization’s 10th year anniversary; with other lots of both national and international recognition and nominations for his giant strides in the recent times.