Miss International Nigeria, Miss Faith Ekwuemenam, has paid an official visit to the Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home located in Agulu, Anambra State.
Miss Ekwuemenam made the visit with her entourage on Sunday, October 19, 2025.
She was welcomed to the Orphanage by the National Coordinator of the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder, Mrs. Aisha Edwar Maduagwu, and the victims, who are mainly children.
Addressing Miss International Nigeria during the visit, Maduagwu thanked Ekwuemenam and the entire entourage.
She expressed immense joy and gratitude for such a thoughtful gesture.
“Beacon of hope”
Maduagwu noted that the orphanage stands as a beacon of hope, being the first dedicated sickle cell orphanage home in Nigeria.
“We are committed to providing absolute care, encompassing health services, education, nutrition, and the general wellbeing of children and underprivileged individuals living with sickle cell disorder.
“Your presence today honors us and shines a light on the often-overlooked struggles and triumphs of our community.
“We are deeply appreciative of your time and compassion in visiting us,” she said.
Watch a short video clip of Mrs. Maduagwu welcoming Ekwuemenam below:
Maduagwu urged her, as a beauty queen with far-reaching platform, to lend her voice to critical causes that can transform lives, especially that of the patients.
She said: “Please use your influence to sensitize the public on the dangers of genotype incompatibilities among intending marriage couples.
“Education on this matter can prevent countless cases of sickle cell disorder from arising in future generations.
“Furthermore, I implore you to speak out against the pervasive discrimination, exploitation, and victimization faced by persons living with sickle cell in our society.
“This is especially acute with job opportunities, where both government and private sectors often overlook or outright deny employment to qualified individuals solely because of their condition.
“Your advocacy could spark meaningful change, fostering a more inclusive society where everyone is judged by their abilities, not their health challenges.”
Significant challenges at the orphanage
Maduagwu lamented that the orphanage faces significant challenges that hinder the ability to serve effectively, despite the strides made.
Chief among the challenges, she said, is the urgent need for a permanent site.
“Our current location is severely choked, accommodating far more residents than it was designed for, and the high rent burdens our limited resources,” she noted.
Maduagwu also called for expanded health insurance coverage specifically tailored for persons with sickle cell to ensure they receive timely and comprehensive medical care without financial ruin.
She pleaded: “I humbly appeal to respected individuals in our society—philanthropists, corporate leaders, and influencers like yourself, to come to our aid by providing us with necessary assistance to sustain and expand our operations.
“Your support could make an indelible difference in the lives of these vulnerable children.”
The National Coordinator of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder Association, meanwhile, proudly highlighted some of her key achievements.
Such achievements, she said, “demonstrate the impact of our unwavering dedication.
“We sponsored the passage of the Anambra State Sickle Cell Disease (Control and Eradication) Law 2019, a landmark legislation that has set a precedent for protecting and supporting those affected by the disorder.
“Through our efforts, we have provided scholarships to tertiary levels for numerous persons with sickle cell, enabling them to pursue higher education and brighter futures.
“Our medical management and interactive programs have assisted countless individuals in managing their condition effectively, while we have tirelessly defended the rights of sickle cell persons against injustices in various spheres of life.”
“Falsehoods and fraudulent activities”
Maduagwu, meanwhile, regretted a recent troubling incidence in Ebonyi State, where a sickle cell patient has been found using her condition to manipulate and destroy others through falsehoods and fraudulent activities.
She noted that such actions, not only harm innocent people but also, tarnish the reputation of the entire sickle cell community, making it harder for genuine sufferers to receive the empathy and support they deserve.
She, therefore, called upon the Ebonyi State government to speedily initiate the legislative process for a sickle cell law and ensure its prompt implementation, mirroring the progress in Anambra State.
“This action would provide the much-needed protections and resources for affected individuals.
“Moreover, I sternly warn any sickle cell persons who are exploiting their conditions to defraud others to cease such behaviors immediately.
“Our organization will not hesitate to expose and report such misconduct to safeguard the integrity of our cause and protect the vulnerable,” Maduagwu said.
She lauded Ekwuemenam for her visit which, she said, will inspire her to continue the vital work.
“May this encounter ignite a partnership that amplifies awareness and drives positive change for sickle cell warriors across Nigeria.
“Thank you once again,” she added.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) learnt that the Queen came from Lagos for the visit, having read so much about the orphanage.
It was also learnt that she herself is also living with Sickle Cell Disorder.
She would be going to Japan in the near future to represent Nigeria and reflect the ordeals of the community especially the Orphanage Home.
Watch video clip of sickle cell children welcoming Miss International Nigeria to their orphanage in Agulu, Anambra State: