An oil magnate, Mr Arthur Eze, has donated N5 million to the Association of People Living With Sickle Cell Disorder (PLWSCD) for the construction of its clinic at Ukpo in Anambra.
The National Co-coordinator of the association, Ms Aisha Edwards, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Onitsha on Monday that the gesture was made on May 29.
Edwards said that the fund would assist in the construction of a special clinic for the treatment of sickle cell patients at affordable prices.
She said many of her members had died due to lack of financial support and frustration while getting treated in hospitals.
According to her, the clinic shall be inaugurated in Ukpo on June 18 by the Anglican Archbishop of Aguata Diocese, Most Rev. Christian Efobi.
“The clinic shall be of a world class standard and shall cater for the medical, psychological, and physical care of all sicklers in the state, and it shall be named after Eze, the sole donor to the project,” she said.
Edwards advised intending couples to check their genotypes before marriage and called on the clergy and traditional rulers to join in the campaign against the procreation of sickle-cell children.
She also urged well-meaning individuals and corporate bodies to cue into the generosity of the donor and others, who have aided the organisation at a point.