Oil exploration company, midwestern, joins fight against sickle cell

The Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI), has received a huge boost in its fight against sickle cell with a donation by foremost oil and gas Exploration Company, Midwestern Oil and Gas Limited.

SAMI is a non-governmental organization that is at the forefront of advocacy for sickle cell through provision of free medications, life-saving surgeries for people living with sickle cell as well as counseling and public awareness advocacy.

While presenting the cheque on behalf of Midwestern Oil and Gas Limited to Toyin Adesola, the Founder of SAMI at the organization’s office in Lagos recently, Feyisara Obayemi, representing the Chairman Onajite Okoloko and Charles Odita, MD/CEO Midwestern Oil & Gas Company Limited, stated that the gesture was to support SAMI’s sterling efforts at improving the lot of people living with sickle cell.

While commending Adesola for bringing the plight of people living with sickle cell to public attention, she pledged her company’s unwavering support for the initiative.

“Midwestern is very proud to be associated with a platform like SAMI. Our partnership with SAMI is a practical demonstration that we empathize with people living with sickle cell and we are ready to contribute our quota towards fighting the condition.”

Also speaking during the event, Toyin  Adesola, the founder of the Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI), expressed gratitude for the gesture shown to the organization by Midwestern. While describing Midwestern’s donation as a welcome intervention in the fight against Sickle Cell, she called on other corporate bodies to borrow a leaf from the donors.

‘’We sincerely want to appreciate the generous donations and support shown to SAMI. We have come this far due to the grace of God and the immense support of our wonderful partners. We hope that other corporate bodies will take a cue from Midwestern and join us in taking on this traumatic condition,’’ she said.

Adesola added that since SAMI commenced operations in 2008, it has been touching the lives of people living with sickle cell across various parts of the country through the monthly medical outreach programs.

SAMI’s advocacy works also includes provision of social support to people living with sickle cell by giving support through a number of ways such as XTRA CARE free clinic (a monthly free clinic), paying of school fees, and house rents, amongst others.

SAMI has also empowered people living with sickle cell through vocational trainings and provision of equipment to enable them start their own businesses and earn a livelihood.

Anthonia Obokoh