The Hopelite Sickle Cell Foundation, a non-governmental organization, successfully hosted “The Warriors Hangout,” a gathering for sickle cell patients in 2022.

In partnership with Film Avenue, Bkeo Foundation, Amstel Ultra, and Indigo, the event was held at the Indigo restaurant in Abuja.

The foundation’s creator, Anna Ochigbo, stated that the goal is to encourage people with the illness to socialize, laugh, and have fun.

She claims that her goal is to establish a sickle cell community in order to inspire support and offer them hope.

She expressed regret that despite ongoing discrimination, sickle cell patients had not received proper treatment in society.

Ms. Anna Ochigbo expressed gratitude for the large number of people who attended the hangout and stated that community members had a comprehensive conversation that will assist them even more.

Along with sickle cell volunteers and advocates, there were about 97 sickle cell warriors present.

They carried signs that read, among other things, “Sickle cell warriors deserve public health insurance” and “Stop stigmatization and discrimination toward sickle cell warriors.”

There was a lot of fun, entertainment, refreshments, and gift-giving.

John Ekeneme, one of the sickle cell fighters, said he was thrilled to be able to visit, network, and enjoy himself with other fighters. He said that additional opportunities like this would help them a lot.

Anna Ochigbo said subsequent editions of the hangout will have a larger pool of participants from across various sectors in the Nigerian society.