Date: 12th November 2025
Time: 8:00 AM
Facilitators: Mr. John Aremo (Lead), Mrs. Akinola, and Mr. Ezekiel Aluko
Venue: Bishop Onabanjo, Bodija Ashi
Introduction
The Bunmi Akinsola Sickle Cell Initiative (BASC Initiative) continued its school outreach efforts with a purposeful visit to Bishop Onabanjo, Bodija Ashi on 12th November 2025. The school community received the team warmly, and the session began promptly at 8:00 AM.
Unlike previous visits, this campaign carried a unique focus: “My Genotype, My Choice.” The theme emphasized personal responsibility, informed decision-making, and the lifelong value of genotype awareness.
Session Narrative
The session opened with Mr. John Aremo, who chose a conversational approach to engage the students. He began by asking simple questions about sickle cell and their level of awareness. Only a few hands went up, which created an immediate opportunity for deeper education.
Sensing the knowledge gap, Mr. John carefully broke down the meaning of genotype, explaining the common types AA, AS, AC, and SC and their compatible and incompatible pairings.
He further simplified the concept of haemoglobin, using relatable examples to help students understand how sickle cell develops and why it leads to health complications.
He emphasized two major points: that every young person should know their genotype early and that genotype compatibility must be considered before entering serious relationships. His delivery was calm, clear, and direct, making the topic easy for the students to grasp. After laying the foundation, Mr. John introduced Mrs. Akinola, a proud sickle-cell warrior and volunteer with BASC Initiative.
Stepping forward with her usual warmth, Mrs. Akinola immediately energized the students with the well-known KYG chant: “Know Your Genotype!” She shared openly about her experiences as a warrior, helping the students understand that people living with sickle cell are strong individuals who require support, not stigma.
Her message carried three core lessons:
Warriors deserve understanding and compassion.
Ignorance about genotype can lead to avoidable hardships in the future.
Young people have a responsibility to make informed choices that influence the wellbeing of their future children.
Her sincerity resonated deeply with the students, who listened with full attention.
At the end of the session, a representative of the school expressed heartfelt appreciation to the BASC Initiative team. The school acknowledged that the discussion was not just informative but timely, especially for adolescents making early life decisions without adequate health knowledge.
The teachers also noted that the message clarified several misconceptions about sickle cell and genotypes.
Conclusion
The KYG campaign at Bishop Onabanjo, Bodija Ashi, was an impactful and insightful session. The blend of scientific explanation, real-life experience, and interactive teaching helped students understand that genotype is both a health matter and a choice that shapes their future.
Through this outreach, BASC Initiative continues to empower young people to make informed decisions, promote empathy toward warriors, and break the cycle of sickle cell disease through awareness.
Total Reach: Approximately 200 students and teachers
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