"HOPE & HELP ON THE WAY FOR SICKLE CELL SUFFERERS"

Dear Friends,
I've just returned from another fulfilling trip to Nigeria in search for Answers to so many questions relating to issues that affects people of African-descent and specifically Nigerians. Nigerians in Diaspora "worry" so much about their Beloved Country. We worry about issues ranging from Elections,Census?,e.t.c & then "Healthcare". We all say "Health Is Wealth",but, we have our priorities completely "mixed-up" ( we say "screwed-up" in America- Pardon my Spanish!).

I am still baffled by the fact that many (not all-before I get someone upset) healthcare Professionals are yet to realize the basic fact that a Blood Glucose Monitoring Kit,kept along with one's "Bible" or "Quran" at all times, makes all the difference for a Diabetic Patient. Thank God, after five years of making about 3 or 4 yearly trips, things are about to change for the better.

In Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory (F.C.T-outside Abuja) lies a small town called SHEDA. Nigerians will soon discover what has been going on quietly in SHEDA and just like me, everyone will be pleasantly surprised. In SHEDA, we have THE SHEDA
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY COMPLEX ( SHESTCO). Normally, I do not give out names,but, Dr. Ayodele - Coker ( Director/C.E.O),The Minister Of Science & Technology, Prof.Isoun, Dr.Pandey & Dr. Adesanmi will soon be very familiar names for all the hard work
these folks have been doing. In collaboration with The Nigerian Institute Of Pharmaceutical Research & Development (N.I.P.R.D) and it's Director,Dr. Inyang, we have a joint exercise in progress between The Ministries Of Health ( and it's very humble Minister,Prof. Lambo)& The Ministry Of Science & Technology. The Complex boasts of a "Gamma-Radiation Plant" which will help give credibility to Nigeria's Products meant for exportation or for use within the Country due to it's ability to ensure products are sterile or rather,free of any sort of contamination.

I am most excited about the launching at this site of XECHEM Nig. Pharmaceuticals.
For the first time in Nigeria's history,the country can boast of a state-of-the-art Pharmaceutical Facility which will start off with the production of NICOSAN (NIPRISAN),a drug discovered by Nigeria's N.I.P.R.D for the management of Sickle Cell Disease.
After several visits to XECHEM's facility in recent times and noticing the amazing positive changes that continues to take place within a relatively short period of time, I decided to do something different on my most recent trip.

Upon arrival in Nigeria, I moved on to Ile-Ife after a quick visit to my hometown of Abeokuta. My Mentor and friend, Dr. Gbola- Olayiwola who has been teaching at The Distinguished "Obafemi Awolowo University" O.A.U (formerly, Univ. Of Ife), had done much of the groundwork. His genuine attitude towards such diseases as Sickle Cell Disease, Diabetes e.t.c drew us together. I would later find out why he decided much early in life to be a Healthcare Professional. His students had already started conducting screenings for Diabetes and keeping the data for what will eventually be the first real research and study on Diabetes in Africa. I was so happy that someone was finally making use of my noble donations of kits and taking-on the same causes.
Efforts are underway to spread the gospel to "Olabisi- Onabanjo" University in Ogun-State. I spoke with my new Friend & Mentor, Dr. Oyewo,The Dean at The Pharmacy
School and I trust that with her abilities,we will get a lot done. I did not get to do much with my friends at The University Of Nigeria, Nsukka (Enugu-State) this time,but,they will not be left off the hook ( Prof. Aguwa, I'm coming for you,Sir!).

From "IFE", I traveled to Abuja with Dr. Olayiwola and we spent about 5 days
together. He quickly caught the fever that has kept me going back to Nigeria when he discovered the developing events at SHEDA. Rumor has it Mr. President too is eagerly awaiting The launching of the site ( perhaps in early June). I have always felt we are more than capable of carrying out our own research and making discoveries in so many areas. This is why I figured we must get the Universities involved since they keep "pumping" out beautiful minds who quickly (like many of us) take-off to far-away countries in search of so-called "greener pastures". We can create jobs and plenty of "green pastures" in our own back-yard. We have missed out on many opportunities for so many reasons. But,we are not in the business of making excuses anymore. I will continue to praise all the "true soldiers" (that's what I call those doing the heavy lifting back home). This brings me back to O.A.U . Much to my amazement,this Prestigious University has remained "rock-solid" despite the
terrible collapse of many Institutions of higher learning over the years. The reason,
according to Dr. Olayiwola is that,the school's alumni makes up about 80% of it's
faculty and these "wonderful Staff" (some of whom I got to share quality time with)
will only let the spirit of the school die "over their dead bodies". God Bless Dr.
Olayiwola for a precious time well-spent and God Bless anyone still reading. We
are heading for higher heights together. "NICOSAN" is only the beginning of better
things to come in the area of new Pharmaceutical discoveries out of Nigeria. Let's
all keep HOPE ALIVE . Once again, my heart goes out to the family of the 19 year-old student who committed suicide this past Monday, while trying to save her parents from the agony of caring for a "Sickle Cell" patient. Remain Blessed , Always !!!

Much Love,
Tola