SIDES and Sickle Cell Organizations Pay Condolence Visit to Kano State Governor’s Spokesperson Over Loss of His Child
By Balarabe Musa
In a heartfelt gesture of solidarity, representative of Sufi Innovation and Development Solutions (SIDES) and leading sickle cell organizations visited Mr. Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Spokesperson to Kano State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, to offer their condolences following the tragic loss of his child. The child (Sadiq), who lived with sickle cell disease, had undergone a bone marrow transplant in India but sadly passed away.
The condolence delegation, led by Dr. Musa Abdullahi Sufi, SIDES Senior Vision Director, included prominent figures in the sickle cell advocacy community that include Aminu Sabitu, President of the Sickle Cell Club, Abdullahi Ibrahim Musa, President of the Sickle Cell Community, Alhaji Hussaini Chedi, Trustee of the Sickle Cell Club, Nasir Abdulhamid, Head of Transport and Logistics, Sickle Cell Community.
The team traveled to Mr. Sanusi’s hometown of Dawakin Tofa to extend their support and express their deep sorrow over the devastating loss.
Dr. Sufi’s Message of Condolence and Call to Action
During the visit, Dr. Musa Abdullahi Sufi conveyed how deeply the child’s death affected not only the family but the entire sickle cell community. “I extend heartfelt condolences on behalf of all sickle cell organizations. This loss is a deeply painful reminder of the urgent need for sustained support, awareness, and improved medical care for individuals living with sickle cell disease,” Dr. Sufi expressed.
He added with emotion, “Too many precious lives of sickle cell patients are slipping away daily, especially across Northern Nigeria. It’s time for us to come together and take meaningful action to change this heartbreaking reality.”
Recognition of Government Efforts and Advocacy for AbbaCare
In his remarks, Alhaji Hussaini Chedi, who has lived with sickle cell for 56 years, praised the current administration’s efforts to enroll sickle cell patients under the AbbaCare program. “This initiative offers a lifeline for many patients, and we hope it will expand to provide even more access to quality healthcare,” he said.
Appreciation from Mr. Sanusi Bature
Mr. Sanusi Bature expressed his gratitude for the visit and the heartfelt condolences from the SIDES-led delegation on behalf of sickle cell members. He acknowledged the compassion and efforts of the team and reaffirmed the governor’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by sickle cell patients.
“His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, is deeply committed to enhancing healthcare services. During his condolence visit, he issued directives for immediate action on matter and remains determined to support all initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals living with sickle cell disease.Mr. Bature assured.
Commitment to End the Cycle and Improve Lives
The visit not only provided emotional support to the grieving family but also highlighted the need for continued collaboration between government, civil society, and healthcare advocates to tackle the burden of sickle cell disease.
The delegation expressed hope that with ongoing efforts and strategic support through programs like AbbaCare, the cycle of suffering and preventable deaths from sickle cell disease will gradually come to an end.
SIDES and the sickle cell organizations pledged to continue working together to promote awareness, access to care, and policy advocacy for improved healthcare services, ensuring that no more lives are lost unnecessarily to the disease.
This visit reflects a shared commitment to building a future where individuals with sickle cell disease can live healthier, more fulfilling lives with the support they need at every step of their journey.
