Modern Science has enabled persons with SCD to Live Long & Work Well

Most Nigerians are unaware of the advances in modern science that enable people with the Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD) to live long and work well. At a result, many employers fail to recruit suitably qualified persons with SCD. Several years ago, a Bank in Lagos recruited the best performing applicant only to turn round and cancel her recruitment as soon as the Manager learnt that she had SCD. The same happened to a young man who was recently given a letter of employment in an estate company in Lagos. His letter was withdrawn as soon as his SCD status was discovered.

Below are a few examples of employees with SCD who have proved to be valuable to their employers, their performance on the job being no different from persons with conditions like Hypertension, Diabetes and so on.

1. Several years ago, I received a message from the Congo to come there to assist in managing a lady with sickle cell anaemia who was working in their company I replied that I couldn't as I had just returned from distant travel, but would be willing to discuss her treatment online with her doctors. After a couple of days, I got a response that the young lady would come to see me in Lagos. I was astonished that she soon arrived and was booked into Eko Hotel, on Victoria Island, Lagos. She looked well, but I was informed that she fell ill occasionally, owing to the fact that she was not under the care of specialized SCD physicians_ I could not help asking them why so much money was being spent to ensure that she personally met with me in Nigeria. The reply I got was that she was extremely diligent and the company wanted to do all it could to ensure that she could work with them, for as long as possible.
2. Similarly, an oil company in Ikoyi, Lagos, brought me a solicitor, Ms Adeniran, who had SCD and was a member of their staff. She had an increasing back pain, which had been repeatedly treated by their Medical Officer as Sickle Cell Pain Crisis. I was informed that she was about to be sent to the USA for further treatment because she was a very valuable staff member before someone referred the company to me to see what possible treatment I could recommend,. Fortunately for me, the way she moved made me suspect that there was more to it than an SCD crisis. Consequently, the investigations that i ordered led to my diagnosis of tuberculosis, the treatment of which was curative. Other Nigerians with SCD who have proved their worth are mentioned below!
3. Muyiwa Talabi, a member of the Board of the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN), who died in 2019, a few months before he attained the age of 70 years. Before retirement, he had worked for several years as a Marketing Official for an American based company. May His Soul Rest In Peace!
4. Grace Ukpong, aged 72 years, is a retired medical practitioner Irving in Calabar. We had met in Lagos several years ago, and in 1989, she insisted that f travel to Calabar to attend her launching of the Calabar Sickle Cell Club. I was glad that I went.
5. Funso Sobande, aged 54 years, is an accomplished accountant who has worked in Banks, including the Central Bank of Nigeria. He is also now the President of the Sickle Cell Champions Club.
6. Pastor (Mrs.) Atinuke Adeleye, a 44 year old mother of 3 children, is the Founder and Secretary of the _Sickle Cell Champions Club.
7. An accomplished Caterer, Mrs. Modupe Popoola who also has SCD, will be 63 years old in November; 2021.
8. Muideen Bakare is a 49 year old Consultant Psychiatrist working in Enugu, Nigeria. He published a book in 2017 titled 'Aromo Leegun', which he earnestly hopes will inspire youngsters with SCD to achieve the best they could in their lives!

Persons with SCD can become valuable assets in their organizations or their chosen professions.. One of the best known jazz trumpeters, Miles Davis, who had SCD popularised jazz music before he died aged 69 years. May His Soul Rest In Peace! Amen!!

Consequently, clear reader; do not forget to assist all competent people who may even have health disorders such as high blood pressure (hypertension) like me the present writer or diabetes or sickle cell anaemia. The brains of persons with SCD are generally unaffected by their diagnosis and modern science, that has helped human beings to invent or discover aeroplanes, helicopters, submarines, motor cars, telephones and so on, is here to help all of us excel in our various endeavours regardless of our health disorders.

Professor Olu Akinyanju, OON, MD, FRCP, FMCPath(Nig)
Founder & Chairman, Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria