By Augustus Bill
It was a gathering of praise and joy on Sunday for members of the Association of Persons Living with Sickle Cell Disorder as they marched in glee to the Altar of St John Anglican Church Ekwulobia to thank God for a successful 2017 World Sickle Cell Day Celebration.
In his homily the chaplain of the Association Rev. Can. Maduka x-rayed about the fairness of love, stressing that it is no longer love for one to ignore the importance of Genotype while making decisions of marriage. He urged the congregation to always extend love to their neighbors and people in need, as the love we show today paves way for us tomorrow.
The Board Chairman of APLSCD Chief Sylvester Nwaobu Alor, while speaking to the congregation appreciated the Anglican Diocese of Aguata for her immense support and contribution to the success of the Association, urging them to never relent in her benevolence to the Association, and continue to make Genotype status a priority before wedding any couple.
The Executive Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, who was represented by Former Aguata LGA Boss Chief Titus Anigbogu (ugwumba) Expressed joy at the exploits of the Association, commending her as a well organized Association with a clear focus on her set goals. He said that the Government shall henceforth show their support to the Association whenever they are called upon. He urged the Association to not Give up on her struggles, as they have a responsive Government that is always ready to aid them in achieving her goals.
He also confirmed that the Governor and his wife would have loved to be physically present at the Thanksgiving service but due to their bereavement and retinue of guests they were unavoidably absent.
Chief Anigbogu, in his own capacity expressed strong desires to partner with the Association in ensuring that her goodwill is spread across the state. He Promised to involve stakeholders in the State, beckoning them to see reasons to support the cause of the sickle cell Association, as the cause is one that needs every support it can get.
The Visibly excited Aisha Edward, in her vote of thanks, appreciated the Anglican Archbishop of Aguata, Most. Rev. Efobi and his wife Dame Efobi for their strong support and Generosity to the Association. She affirmed that the Archbishop and his wife have been strong supporters of the Sickle cell cause and have done a lot in Providing welfare for the Association as well as Role Model in their Ecclesiastical responsibility.
She also thanked the Governor for making out time to be with them, even in his bereaved state he still saw it important to send someone to celebrate the Thanksgiving with them. On behalf of the Association she prayed for fortitude for the Governor to bear the loss of his mother, while urging members of the Association to not lose faith in the Governor, as having heard from him directly through his representative, Respite would surely come soon.
Aisha also thanked all the benefactors of the Association for the Support they have shown the Association including Olive Sickle Cell Group based in Onitcha lead by Nonso Stanley Anene who joined them in the Grand Finale Thanksgiving. She prayed God's favor on them and urge them to never relent in their Benevolence and Exemplary Life.