Edo State Sickle Cell Club on Monday appealed to the state Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to open his doors to them, particularly to discuss issues relating to their poor health conditions.

President of the Edo State Sickle Cell Club, Charles Edigin, who led other members, made the appeal during a Save-Our-Soul (SOS) visit to Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in Benin, the Edo State capital.

Speaking, Edigin stated that the sickle cell sufferers faced various challenges from their communities, state and even within the circle of those from whom they get medical treatment.

Edigin disclosed that the reason for their visit to the NUJ, among others, is to sensitise the public on World Sickle Cell Day, which comes up on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

He noted that the state government recently showed its support for the association through a donation made by the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa.

Edigin appealed to Governor Okpebholo to heed their cry, stating that they needed to discuss some issues with him regarding their health, for which they had written and dropped several letters in his office, but had received no response.

In his response, the Edo NUJ Chairman, Festus Alenkhe, advised intending couples to undergo blood screening before getting married to reduce the risk and burden associated with sickle cell disease.

The chairman assured the sickle cell association and its members that journalists in the state will partner with them to achieve a successful outing on World Sickle Cell Day.