WELCOME TO OUR JUNE 2025 WORLD SICKLE CELL DAY/MONTH EVENTS PLATFORM

Prof. Nora Akinola is a distinguished Haematologist born in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, and raised in London, UK. She returned to Nigeria in 1974 to study Medicine at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University - OAU), earning a BSc in Health Sciences (1978) and an MBChB (1981).

After completing her internship and youth service, she began postgraduate training in Internal Medicine at OAUTHC, Ile-Ife. She studied Haematology at the Royal Postgraduate Medical School in London and earned a Diploma in Clinical Haematology in 1989. She later completed a PhD in 1992 from the University of Birmingham with a focus on sickle cell rheology.

Returning to Nigeria, she continued her academic career, completing the FMCP and FMCPath qualifications. She joined the OAU Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences in 1993 and has held several administrative roles, including Dean since 2013.

Her research centers on the pathophysiology and management of sickle cell disease in Nigerian adults. She has received numerous research grants, including from the American College of Physicians, and has published extensively in both national and international journals.

Prof. Akinola has trained and mentored many resident doctors and serves as an examiner at the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria. She is an active member of numerous professional bodies and currently serves as the Coordinator of the Nigerian Sickle Cell Association in Southwest Nigeria.

Dr. Gaurav Kharya is a renowned pediatric hematologist and oncologist, and the Director of the Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) and Cellular Therapy unit at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon. With a specialty in bone marrow transplantation, he has successfully performed over 700 transplants, including complex haploidentical, unrelated donor, and matched sibling transplants.

He is particularly acclaimed for treating rare and difficult conditions such as thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, leukemias, and various hematological malignancies. Dr. Kharya has also made significant contributions to treating immune deficiencies like Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), developing pioneering protocols to improve patient outcomes.

Trained in premier medical institutions in India and abroad, Dr. Kharya combines technical expertise with compassionate care, ensuring personalized treatments for his pediatric patients. He is also deeply engaged in research and has authored several papers in leading international medical journals.

Through innovation and dedication, Dr. Kharya continues to push the boundaries of pediatric oncology and hematology, offering hope and healing to children with life-threatening conditions.

Olamilekan Massoud Al-Khalifah, professionally known as Laycon, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, and media personality. He gained national prominence as the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 5 and has since become a symbol of resilience and advocacy.

In recognition of his influence and impact, Laycon was appointed the Youth Ambassador of Ogun State on October 6, 2020. In October 2022, he was also inducted as a member of the Grammys Recording Academy voting committee, solidifying his presence on the global music stage.

Laycon is the Brand Ambassador of the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria and lives with sickle cell disorder. As a warrior, advocate, philanthropist, and catalyst for change, he uses his platform to raise awareness, combat stigma, and empower others battling the condition.

His journey and activism continue to inspire millions across Nigeria and beyond, proving that living with a condition does not define your destiny—it can define your legacy.

Dr. Abosede Wellington is an accomplished public health physician with nearly two decades of experience in developing and implementing impactful public health policies and programs. She currently serves as the Sickle Cell Disorder Coordinator at the Lagos State Ministry of Health.

With a creative and innovative mindset, Dr. Wellington leads a team that approaches the challenge of sickle cell disorder through fresh, strategic initiatives. Her work focuses on awareness, early diagnosis, and comprehensive care, all tailored to improve the quality of life for individuals living with the condition.

Her unwavering belief in the power of collaboration among stakeholders underpins her mission to achieve sustainable sickle cell disorder control across Lagos State.

Beyond her professional role, Dr. Wellington is an adventurer at heart who enjoys exploring new places. She is happily married and a proud mother of three daughters, harmonizing her dedication to public health with a deep appreciation for life's enriching moments.