Lagos, Nigeria: A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), CrimsonBow Sickle Cell Initiative, on Saturday, empowered no fewer than 300 carriers of Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD) in Lagos.
Speaking at the fourth edition of Project Empower A Warrior (PEW 4.0), Ms Timi Edwin, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CrimsonBow, said the initiative aimed to ease patients’ suffering.
“This platform is devoted to supporting and uplifting individuals living with sickle cell disorder and their caregivers,” Edwin said.
She described the project as a compassionate community bound by empathy, hope and resilience.
According to her, ‘Project Empower A Warrior’ was designed to inspire and equip patients with skills and opportunities to live fulfilled, independent and meaningful lives.
“People living with sickle cell deserve empowerment. The disorder already presents many challenges. We want to change the narrative — not just to survive, but to thrive,” she added.
Edwin said over 300 patients would receive various business tools and kitchen utensils, while some would benefit from microgrants.
She said that the winner of the talent pitch contest would receive N1 million, the first runner-up N500,000, and the second runner-up N250,000.
She urged patients to pursue business ventures boldly, saying, “Every great achievement begins with a little fear and a lot of faith.”
According to her, the theme, ‘Do It Afraid: Breaking Limits and Building Dreams’, was a call to overcome fear, embrace courage, and pursue dreams despite challenges.
Edwin appealed to the government, corporate bodies and well-meaning Nigerians to support the economic and physical well-being of patients.
“At CrimsonBow Sickle Cell Initiative, we envision a world where people with sickle cell can thrive, free from limitations imposed by their condition,” she said.
She added that the organisation remained committed to creating opportunities, providing support and advocating for the dignity of patients and their families.
Edwin said the initiative had empowered nearly 2,000 patients in the past four years.
In his keynote address, Mr Olalekan Owonikoko, Executive Director of Project Enable Africa, urged patients to take personal responsibility for their well-being and survival.
Owonikoko, a Counselling Therapist and Mental Health Advocate, advised patients to focus their energy on possibilities, noting that most fears were unreal.
He encouraged them not to worry about matters beyond their control but to strengthen their minds and show courage despite limitations.
“Our duty is to show up and manifest strength. Even those less capable are showing up,” he said.
Project Coordinator, Mrs Christiana Bakare, said the hereditary blood disorder remained a significant public health challenge in Nigeria.
“With over 150,000 babies born annually with the condition and only half surviving beyond age five, continuous care and support are vital,” she said.
A recipient, Aduragbemi Akinyosoye, who received a wireless clipper, said the tool would serve both domestic and economic purposes.
Mrs Temitope Ibrahim, winner of the talent pitch and recipient of a N1 million grant, thanked the NGO for empowering people living with the disorder.
Ibrahim, a caterer, said the grant would expand her business and benefit her family and others with the condition.
Adekoye Sarah emerged second with a N500,000 grant, while Adebisi Omotayo placed third, receiving N250,000.