The Lagos State Government has intensified its campaign against sickle cell disorder by mobilizing secondary school students to become champions of genotype awareness, describing sustained public education as one of the most effective strategies for reducing the prevalence of the disease across the state.
It urged young people to know their genotype, understand its implications and make informed decisions about marriage and family planning.
Speaking at the 2026 World Sickle Cell Day Inter-school Debate and Quiz Competition for secondary schools held at the NUT Pavilion Event Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, yesterday, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, said preventing sickle cell disorder begins with awareness and informed choices rather than coercion, stressing that every individual has a responsibility to understand their genetic status.
“We must all be informed. Every individual needs to know their genotype and understand what it means so they can make informed decisions about their future,” she said.
Reacting to a debate on whether the government should prevent individuals with sickle cell traits from marrying one another, the Permanent Secretary declined to support or oppose the motion, insisting that the priority should be ensuring that citizens have the knowledge required to make informed personal decisions.
She noted that sickle cell disorder extends beyond its medical complications, placing enormous emotional, physical and financial burdens on affected families through frequent hospital visits, recurring pain crises and prolonged treatment.
According to her, students have a critical role to play in spreading awareness by sharing the knowledge gained during the competition with classmates, friends, siblings and parents, thereby becoming advocates for healthier communities.
Lajide also commended development partners, non-governmental organisations and healthcare professionals for supporting the state’s efforts to combat sickle cell disorder and improve the quality of life of affected persons.
Earlier, the Acting Director of Disease Control in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Abosede Wellington, said the debate and quiz competition was deliberately chosen to commemorate World Sickle Cell Day because it provides a lasting platform for educating young people rather than limiting the observance to ceremonial activities.
She explained that the competition was designed to equip students with accurate information about sickle cell disorder, genotype compatibility and healthy decision-making, while encouraging them to emerge as informed advocates within their schools and communities.
Wellington encouraged the contestants to enjoy the exercise, describing every participant as a winner because of the opportunity to acquire knowledge and develop critical thinking skills.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), Dr. Victoria Egunjobi, described information as a powerful tool in preventing sickle cell disorder and urged students to spread awareness in their homes and schools while showing empathy and support for people living with the condition.
Chairperson of the Coalition of Sickle Cell NGOs and Chief Executive Officer of Crimson Bow Sickle Cell Initiative, Miss Timi Edwin, reminded participants that sickle cell disorder is not a death sentence, noting that advances in healthcare now enable many people living with the condition to enjoy longer, healthier and more productive lives.
She applauded the Lagos State Government for sustaining programmes aimed at reducing stigma and promoting inclusion for persons living with sickle cell disorder.
Also speaking, Consultant with the Clinton Health Access Initiative, Timilehin Rotimi-Ojo, urged students to sustain conversations on genotype awareness beyond the competition by encouraging family members and friends to know their genotype.
Executive Director of Couples and Kids Social Initiative, Miss Tofunmi Adekola, commended the Lagos State Government for its sustained commitment to improving the welfare of persons living with sickle cell disorder, while Editor-in-Chief of Sickle Cell News and author of Menace in My Blood, Ayoola Olajide, shared his personal experience of living with the condition, stressing that proper care and support enable sickle cell warriors to live long and fulfilling lives.
Founder of the Lagos State University Sickle Cell Society, Ayomide Durodola, also called for an end to stigma and discrimination against people living with sickle cell disorder.
In the competition, Surulere Senior Secondary School, Alagbado, emerged winner of the debate category, while Community High School, Majidun and Alimosho Senior High School finished second and third respectively.
Oriwu Junior Model College’s Aminat Akintelu won the quiz competition, with Akapo Ayomide Raphael of Mende Junior High School and Adedeji Emmanuel of Alimosho Junior Grammar School placing second and third.
Speaking after the event, Akintelu said the competition broadened her understanding of genotype compatibility, sickle cell interventions and available support systems.
Debate winner Abdulyekeen Ramatallahi of Surulere Senior Secondary School dedicated his victory to his teacher and called for expanded government-sponsored genotype awareness campaigns as well as free or subsidised genotype testing to enable young Nigerians to make informed decisions before marriage.