Christopher Odamah Asaba

The wife of the Delta State Governor and Founder O5 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa has lauded the speaker and members of the Delta state House of Assembly for passing the Sickle cell bill into law.

In a statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media to the wife of the state Governor, Mrs Alicia Dominic-Okobi, Dame Okowa said the bill will spur the O5 Initiative to do more for Sickle Cell challenged persons and sickle cell disorder.

The Governor’s wife said Sickle Cell is not a death sentence and enjoined those living with the disorder to remain positive as better days had come.

Her Excellency called on well meaning individuals, civil society groups and organizations to remain supportive to parents and caregivers of Sickle Cell challenged persons and also join in the fight against the disorder.

Meanwhile, the Delta State Sickle Cell Centre Bill was on Tuesday April 2nd passed into law by the Delta State House of Assembly.

The passage of the bill at plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori followed a motion to that effect by the Majority Leader,  Hon Tim Owhefere and was adopted.

The House had resolved into a committee of the whole to continue the consideration of the report of the Hon Alphonsus Ojo led House Committee on health which scrutinized the bill.

The Speaker Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori said members went through the bill  painstakingly with  explanations, contributions and amendments made.

Rt. Hon. Oborevwori thanked members for the passage of the bill saying that it will create awareness on the Sickle Cell disease and how best to avoid it as well as help Deltans live healthier.