ADVERTISEMENT

75 percent of disease cases are in Nigeria – Yakubu Gowon

Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon also urged the government to give attention to the disease in order to help deal with it.

Gowon also urged the government to give attention to the disease in order to help deal with it.

He made the comments in Abuja during the launch of a book by Babajide Olowodola in support of sickle cell intervention.

“The government should do whatever they can and give attention to this particular disease in order to help deal with it and the first thing that is important is, educating the people, to make sure there is good advice given to people not just to say O positive, O negative, but make sure you do not match-make people. With this at the back of our minds, it will reduce the danger of the disease,” Gowon said according to The Nation.

ADVERTISEMENT

“In the book, the author said, ‘we have gone through a long night with our last born who suffers the sickle cell disease and we didn’t think another Nigerian should be allowed to go through that experience alone.

“That is why we thought that the best way to celebrate this 63rd birthday, is to give back to society, to give back to humanity, to be a blessing to another family who is afflicted, who is suffering from the sickle cell disease’.

“I felt very sad they had to go through all this. That determined me to come and chair this occasion. He is doing this not only to celebrate his 63rd birthday, but to be able to do something for those who are suffering from this disease – sickle cell disease.

“He didn’t want anything for himself but for his son and all these young people who are diagnosed with this disease. I think this is very humble indeed and I hope and pray that a lot of people give a lot for this particular cause,” he added.

ADVERTISEMENT

Sickle cell disease is a group of disorders that affects hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that delivers oxygen to cells throughout the body.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

NFVCB, EFCC plan to rid films, skits of untrue portrayal of EFCC officials

NFVCB, EFCC plan to rid films, skits of untrue portrayal of EFCC officials

Federal Govt set to sue Binance ltd, officials for tax evasion on April 4

Federal Govt set to sue Binance ltd, officials for tax evasion on April 4

What Nigerian law says about treatment of people with disabilities

What Nigerian law says about treatment of people with disabilities

Gambling investment is evil, will take away everything - Cleric warns youths

Gambling investment is evil, will take away everything - Cleric warns youths

All teachers need to learn digital skills to earn their students’ respect

All teachers need to learn digital skills to earn their students’ respect

Lagos lawmaker begins road construction in Yaba to ease residents' plights

Lagos lawmaker begins road construction in Yaba to ease residents' plights

Over 100 inmates in Kano seek mercy, review of death sentences

Over 100 inmates in Kano seek mercy, review of death sentences

FG shuts KFC outlet that 'humiliated' Gbenga Daniel's wheelchair-bound son

FG shuts KFC outlet that 'humiliated' Gbenga Daniel's wheelchair-bound son

Reps vow to retrieve sold Govt helicopters, summon aviation ministers

Reps vow to retrieve sold Govt helicopters, summon aviation ministers

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT