Date: 22nd October 2025
Time: 8:00 AM
Venue: Islamic High School, Orita Bashorun, Ibadan
Delegation: Mr. John Aremo, Dr. Adenike Aremo-Adeniyi, Mrs. Titilayo Oyesiku, and Mr. Aluko Pelumi
Event Overview
It was an inspiring morning of learning and engagement as the Bunmi Akinsola Sickle Cell Initiative (BASC Initiative) team visited Islamic High School, Orita Bashorun, for its “Know Your Genotype” (KYG) awareness campaign.
The school authorities warmly received the team and officially introduced them to the students before the session began. The campaign, built around the theme “Health and Marriage,” aimed to educate students about the importance of knowing their genotype early and how this knowledge affects health, relationships, and future family planning.
Session Highlights
The session was led by Mr. John Aremo, who delivered an engaging and practical presentation. He began by explaining what genotype means and why everyone must know their’s. Using relatable illustrations, he described how blood and hemoglobin function in the human body, and how irregularly shaped cells can lead to Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).
Mr. Aremo went on to explain how genotype combinations between couples determine the genetic outcomes of their children. He emphasized that while some combinations such as AA + AA are ideal, others like AS + AS or AS + AC can result in children being born with Sickle Cell Disease (SS or SC). His message was clear and practical: knowing one’s genotype is not just a medical necessity but a lifelong decision that influences generations.
The discussion also touched briefly on management and treatment options such as bone marrow transplants and gene therapy, with Mr. Aremo stressing that while modern medicine offers hope, awareness and prevention remain the most effective solutions.
During the interactive Q&A session, students asked intelligent questions about rare genotypes like AD, AC, and SC. Each question was addressed thoughtfully, and the atmosphere reflected genuine curiosity and engagement.
Impact and Feedback
The session was well-received by both students and teachers, who appreciated the clarity and practicality of the presentation. A representative of the school commended the BASC Initiative team for what she described as “a timely and eye-opening sensitization that every young person needs.” By the end of the program, the students were visibly inspired, many still repeating the KYG chant with enthusiasm. The team’s relatable delivery and personal approach helped demystify the topic and left a lasting impression on all present.
Conclusion
The Know Your Genotype (KYG) campaign at Islamic High School, Orita Bashorun, held on 22nd October 2025, was another successful step in BASC Initiative’s continuous effort to raise awareness and promote healthy living among young people. The session was not only educational but deeply impactful, bridging the gap between health knowledge and real-life decision-making. Through this campaign, the Bunmi Akinsola Sickle Cell Initiative continues to uphold its mission of education, awareness, and advocacy toward a generation better informed about genotype and sickle cell prevention.
Total Population Reached: 420 students and several teaching staff.
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