Foremost health nonprofit, Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI), held its 2026 Volunteer Retreat and Awards Ceremony in Lagos on Saturday, 25 April 2026, spotlighting sustained purpose, service, compassion, and discipline. The event brought together volunteers whose consistent efforts have shaped lives in the sickle cell community, while charting the path forward for the NGO founded by Toyin Adesola in 2008. A key highlight was the launch of the #1kforSickle crowdfunding campaign, a 10-million-naira drive encouraging Nigerians to donate at least ₦1,000 to support SAMI’s work.
Eleven award categories recognized individuals across sectors who have supported SAMI, including haematologists, doctors, nurses, lab scientists, educators, entrepreneurs, IT experts, media executives, and young professionals. Four speakers addressed the gathering: Debola Deji-Kurunmi of Immerse Coaching Company urged volunteers to embrace self-leadership through self-mastery, self-direction, self-drive, self-influence, and self-expansion, noting SAMI’s shift “from being a founder-led NGO to a legacy-led institution.” Clinical psychologist Sheriff Ajibola Moshobalaje emphasized emotional balance and mental resilience, while co-founder of 9ijakids, Mrs. Titi Adewusi, spoke on team spirit and officially launched the #1kforSickle campaign. Leadership expert Director Oluwatoyin Banjo outlined the 8 Pillars of M.O.B.I.L.I.Z.E, calling for investment in SAMI’s volunteer team.
SAMI Communication Officer Abayomi Oyelami said the retreat was to “honour the passion, sacrifice, and invisible work shaping lives in the sickle cell community” and serve as a space for growth and renewed purpose. Nigerians can support the #1kforSickle campaign via GTBank: SAMI 500 by 1M Campaign, 0208883097, or through online channels on official materials. The ceremony closed with a call for volunteers to match compassion with skill and excellence in service.
