The Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI), a leading Nigerian health nonprofit organization, has celebrated the dedication and impact of its volunteers during the 2026 Volunteer Retreat and Awards Ceremony held in Lagos on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
The event highlighted the values of compassion, sacrifice, discipline, and purposeful service while recognizing individuals whose contributions have significantly advanced support for people living with sickle cell disorder across Nigeria.
Founded in 2008 by nonprofit leader Toyin Adesola, SAMI used the gathering as an opportunity to reflect on its journey, appreciate its volunteers, and outline future goals for strengthening advocacy and healthcare support within the sickle cell community.
One of the major highlights of the ceremony was the launch of the organization’s ₦10 million crowdfunding initiative tagged #1kforSickle, a campaign encouraging Nigerians to donate at least ₦1,000 to support SAMI’s healthcare and advocacy programs.
The organization also presented awards across 11 categories to honour professionals and supporters from different sectors who have contributed to its mission over the years. Award recipients included haematologists, medical doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, educators, entrepreneurs, IT professionals, media executives, and young emerging leaders.
The retreat featured presentations from notable speakers, including leadership coach and Founder of Immerse Coaching Company, Debola Deji-Kurunmi; clinical psychologist Sheriff Ajibola Moshobalaje; leadership expert Director Oluwatoyin Banjo; and co-founder of 9ijakids, Mrs. Titi Adewusi.
Speaking during one of the keynote sessions, Debola Deji-Kurunmi encouraged volunteers to focus on personal growth and self-leadership as essential tools for greater impact. She emphasized the importance of self-mastery, self-direction, and self-development in sustaining meaningful service within nonprofit organizations.
She also noted that SAMI is transitioning from a founder-led organization into what she described as a “legacy-led institution,” urging volunteers to become more innovative, proactive, and solution-driven in advancing the organization’s mission.
Clinical psychologist Sheriff Ajibola Moshobalaje addressed the emotional and psychological realities of volunteer work, stressing the importance of mental well-being, emotional balance, and self-awareness. He warned about the negative effects social media pressure can have on mental health and encouraged volunteers to prioritize resilience and personal wellness.
Mrs. Titi Adewusi, speaking on teamwork and credibility in nonprofit organizations, challenged volunteers to see service as a lifestyle rather than a one-time activity. She also officially launched the #1kforSickle campaign during her presentation.
Leadership expert Director Oluwatoyin Banjo focused on the principles of effective volunteer leadership, presenting what she described as the eight pillars of “M.O.B.I.L.I.Z.E.” — a framework centered on motivation, belonging, investment, inspiration, and empowerment within volunteer communities.
According to SAMI’s Communication Officer, Abayomi Oyelami, the retreat and awards ceremony was organized to celebrate the “passion, sacrifice, and invisible work shaping lives in the sickle cell community,” while also creating an environment for learning, development, and renewed commitment to service.
He added that Nigerians interested in supporting the #1kforSickle campaign can donate through the organization’s designated bank account and official online donation platforms.
The event concluded with a renewed call for volunteers and supporters to continue serving with compassion, professionalism, and excellence in improving the lives of individuals affected by sickle cell disorder.
