Sickle cell bill now law in Anambra.
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| Gov. Willie Obiano |
The governor of Anambra His Excellency Chief Willie Obiano has passed the sickle cell bill into law. This came after a the bill sponsored by the member representing Anaocha II state constituency, Hon. Charles Ezeani and 15 others, seeking to eradicate sickle cell disease in the state by checkmating marriages among people with incompatible genotypes.
Hon. Charles Ezeani and Mrs Aisha Edward.NationalCoordinator APLSCD.
Mrs Aisha Edward.NationalCoordinator APLSCD and APLSCD members
The law stated, “Anybody who contravenes the provisions of this section shall be guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N200,000 or imprisonment to a term of three years or both.”
The law when it becomes effective shall also put in place a monitoring committee to ensure compliance.
Speaking, the co-sponsor of the bill, Charles Ezeani, described the law as life-saving.
He said, “The development would put a stop to the notion that love is blind by ensuring that intending couples must present their genotype test before marriage.”
Ezeani commended the Speaker of the Assembly, Mrs Rita Maduagwu and other members of the Assembly for being the first to pass such health enhancement bill into law in the country.
The National Coordinator of People Living with Sickle Cell Disease, APLSCD, Aisha Edwards, who was also at the assembly, thanked the lawmakers for enacting the law.
She said the law above other things bars all forms of discriminatory practices against carriers of the disease, both in employment and admission into schools.
Indeed, Hon. Engr. Charles Chukwuma Ezeani will forever remain in the hearts of People living with Sickle Cell Disease for this wonderful law initiated by him.
Weeks later,the Governor of Anambra state reciprocated by signing bill into law.
In Appreciation to the Governor, the National Coordinator, Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder, APLSCD, Mrs Aisha Edward sent this message:
OUR SINCERE GRATITUDE TO THE GOVERNOR OF ANAMBRA STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY CHIEF WILLIE OBIANO.
On behalf of the Chairman and Board of Directors, The National Coordinator, Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder, APLSCD, Mrs Aisha Edward, wishes to present our sincere gratitude to the Government and Administration of Anambra State, headed by the ever working Governor, His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano (Akpokuedike Global
) and his amiable wife, Chief Mrs.Ebelechukwu (Osodieme) on the successful passage of the Sickle Cell Bill into Law by the Honourable State House of Assembly.
It is on record that this Present Administration has witnessed rapid growth on Economic Development and Social Welfare.
With the passage of this bill into law, Gov.Willie Obiano has cleared all doubts that his Administration is for the people, especially the underprivileged and vulnerable ones. The State Slogan as the Light of the Nation, in leading other States in Nigeria in Life Changing Policies, has proven a benchmark that is to be emulated.
His Excellency has become the new bride and toast of the Sickle Cell Community around the World. Wherever the subject is being discussed, reference would be made on this historical legislative feat of his administration.
All this were made possible due to the vibrant and ever busy Administrative mechanisms of the State Government on actions as such, that the State is adjudge to be a pacesetter on making meaningful impacts on the life of its citizenry.
We expect to record more positive disposal of the Administration towards the full implementation of the Law.
We received with gladden hearts, the financial grant made available to APLSCD by this Administration, through its Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development led by Hon Barr. Ndidi Mezue.
As we continue in love and faith towards greatness, let all remain steadfast to the provisions of the Sickle Cell Law in order to ensure a complete eradication of this ugly menace.
Once again we are grateful your Excellency."
Aisha Edward.
National Coordinator
APLSCD.
8/5/19.
Nigeria especially Ebonyi State (your state of origin) is so proud of you Mrs Aisha,we will continue to push your projects and programs on this platform till the whole world hears of your association. Congratulations once more.
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