TDThe Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder (APLSCD) and the Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home, Agulu, Anambra State, has announced the death of Chilota Ezikwelu, a sickle-cell patient and orphan from Ifitedunu, Dunukofia LGA.
APLSCD broke the news in a press release issued by its National Coordinator, and Director of the Sickle Cell Orphanage, Mrs. Aisha Edwards Maduagwu.
The Association accused state institutions and relatives of systemic neglect that contributed to her untimely passing.
Summary of the Case
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Victim:
Chilota Ezikwelu, orphan and sickle-cell patient.
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Care:
Lived at the Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home in Agulu for five years.
Received medical care, nutrition, and schooling all the while.
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Allegation:
The association asserts Chilota’s death resulted from abandonment, rejection, and failures, not from the disease alone.
The culprits, it said, are the relatives and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.
Life at the Orphanage
Chilota arrived at the Agulu home malnourished and unwell.
Under the orphanage’s care she recovered, enrolled in school, and excelled academically, passing her WAEC examinations.
Staff describe her as a supportive older sibling to younger children and a resilient child.
The staff said she benefited from consistent medical attention and nutrition provided by the association.
Allegations Against Relatives and Officials, and Local Support and Gaps in Care
The association named Mrs. Vicky Chikwelu, a former Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, and Mrs. Ify Obinabo, the current commissioner, as well as relatives who were aware of Chilota’s condition yet failed to intervene.
The group says repeated appeals for assistance were ignored and accuses successive ministry administrations of neglecting vulnerable sickle-cell children.
While the orphanage covered substantial medical costs, the release acknowledges limited support from some local officials and community figures who assisted with medical needs and blood transfusions.
The association contrasts this local assistance with the alleged inaction of Chilota’s blood relatives, who reportedly did not contribute to her care.
Calls for Investigation and Reform
The association demands:
- An independent inquiry into the circumstances of Chilota’s death.
- Immediate intervention from the Anambra State government and Dr. (Mrs.) Nonye Soludo.
- Reform of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs to ensure non-discriminatory protection for sickle-cell orphans.
- Accountability from religious institutions and public officials responsible for child welfare.
Wider Implications
The statement framed Chilota’s death as symptomatic of broader issues, including:
- stigma against people with sickle cell disorder,
- inadequate social-welfare systems, and,
- political appointments that prioritize optics over compassion and competence.
The association warns that without structural reforms, other vulnerable children remain at risk.
What the association seeks:
- A transparent investigation and public report.
- Policy and operational changes at the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.
- Stronger oversight and community accountability to protect orphaned and vulnerable children living with sickle cell disorder.
