Sustaining SAMI Is the Greatest Tribute to Toyin Adesola as Sickle Cell Advocacy Initiative Marks 18 Years

As the Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI) celebrates its 18th anniversary, stakeholders and supporters have been urged to sustain the vision of its founder, the late Toyin Ibidunni Adesola, whose unwavering commitment transformed the lives of thousands of people living with sickle cell disorder across Nigeria.

In a heartfelt tribute marking the milestone, communications strategist and long-time associate of the late advocate, Yomi Oyelami, described Toyin Adesola as the "Sickle Cell General," saying her life's mission continues to inspire hope, compassion, and resilience within the sickle cell community.

According to him, Adesola's greatest legacy remains SAMI, the nonprofit organisation she founded in 2008 despite living with sickle cell disorder herself. What began as support for a single sickle cell warrior has evolved into one of Nigeria's most impactful organisations dedicated to sickle cell healthcare, education, advocacy, and empowerment.

Over the past 18 years, SAMI has provided free medical care, medication support, health education, advocacy campaigns, and financial assistance to thousands of beneficiaries nationwide.

Among its flagship programmes is the Xtracare Free Medical Clinic, launched in 2014, which offered uninterrupted monthly medical support for a decade, including during the COVID-19 lockdown. Although the clinic now operates periodically due to funding constraints, it continues to provide essential medications to sickle cell warriors across the country.

In 2019, the organisation introduced the Adopt-A-Warrior Project, connecting vulnerable sickle cell patients with sponsors who fund comprehensive private health insurance. The initiative has enabled more than 100 beneficiaries to access surgeries, blood transfusions, emergency treatments, scans, and maternal healthcare services without financial burden.

Beyond healthcare interventions, SAMI has also become a leading force in sickle cell awareness and advocacy. The organisation pioneered the Red Umbrella Walk, an annual awareness campaign held around World Sickle Cell Day on June 19. The initiative has since grown into a national movement embraced by the Coalition of Sickle Cell NGOs.

The organisation also broke new ground by launching Nigeria's first weekly sickle cell radio programme, Touch A Cell with Toyin and the Gang, before expanding its outreach through the Yoruba-language programme Touch A Cell Lori Afefe, making awareness more accessible to local communities.

Other notable initiatives include the Touch A Cell Danceathon, Positive and Wellness Summit, Better You Health Hub, youth empowerment programmes, business development projects, and community health outreaches designed to improve the quality of life for people living with sickle cell disorder.

Reflecting on Toyin Adesola's enduring impact, Oyelami identified three core values she embedded within SAMI—Faith, Compassion, and Audacity.

He noted that Adesola constantly challenged people living with sickle cell disorder to pursue excellence without allowing their health condition to define their future, insisting that they could succeed in every sphere of life.

He also described SAMI as more than a charity, saying the organisation fosters a genuine sense of family by building lasting relationships with beneficiaries rather than simply providing financial assistance.

Although Toyin Adesola is no longer physically present, her vision remains alive through SAMI's programmes and the thousands of lives she inspired.

As the organisation celebrates its 18th anniversary, supporters have been encouraged to recommit themselves to sustaining its mission through regular donations, partnerships, volunteerism, and advocacy.

According to Oyelami, preserving and strengthening SAMI is the most meaningful way to honour the enduring legacy of Toyin Ibidunni Adesola, whose life's work continues to offer hope to countless families affected by sickle cell disorder.

For more information about SAMI and how to support its programmes, visit its official website.