A Nigerian woman, Ambassador Eniola Cole, who supports sickle cell awareness and writes books, shared her amazing story of how her genotype changed from SS (which causes sickle cell disease) to AA (normal).She called this a miracle.
She told her story at an event focused on public health and helping young women. The event also raised awareness about sickle cell disease in Africa and the efforts to end it.
Cole said she was diagnosed with sickle cell disease at age 13. She spent many years struggling with the condition and often feared she might not survive.
“I have lived with sickle cell and know how painful it is. When I was diagnosed at 13, I didn’t think I would live long. But God performed a miracle and changed my genotype from SS to AA,” she said in her speech.
Her healing inspired her to write a book called *Finally Free*, which she now gives to schools as part of her campaign to educate others and raise awareness.At the event, Cole also announced projects to support and empower young women. These included giving out money and educational materials.
Eight orphans each received ₦100,000, and sanitary pads were distributed to last two years. She also gave out starter kits for small businesses, which included her book and educational tools like *AI in Entrepreneurship: A Nigerian Perspective and AI in Real Estate.
Many important guests attended the event, including Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, who was represented by Mr. Dipo Odebowale. U.S. Senator Kevin Parker and Professor Remi Sonaiya, Nigeria’s first female presidential candidate, were also there.
Dr. Dabiri-Erewa praised Cole for helping African youth with health and leadership challenges. She said helping young people become leaders and problem-solvers could change Africa for the better
Senator Parker spoke about the value of African heritage in developing strong leaders. He encouraged young Africans to stay connected to their roots.
Professor Sonaiya told young women to aim high and join politics. She said they should take charge of their lives and become leaders.
Cole said her group will hold the “Raising Young Women Conference” at Lagos State University on June 24.
She also announced that she will run in the local government elections in Lagos on July 12, showing she is ready to turn her advocacy into political leadership.
She invited young leaders to attend the Billionaire’s Conference in September, where a six-month mentorship program will start to help future leaders grow.
In her final message, Cole encouraged young people to prepare for leadership roles.“If you get a seat at the table, will you have anything to say? We must first build ourselves, and then we can serve the world,” she said.
