The program opened with a warm welcome from Mr. Patrick Attah (Chief Finance Officer, BBF), who framed the Foundation’s ten-year journey, milestones reached, lives touched, lessons learned, and the urgent need that remains.

We were honoured to host two keynote speakers with deep clinical and systems experience. Dr. Juliana Lawson, Executive Director of Zankli Medical Centre, spoke on “A Decade of Impact: Scaling Solutions for Medically Fragile Children”.

Dr. John Agbidye, CEO of In-Country Medicare, explored “Scaling Solutions, a Paradigm Shift for Medically Fragile Children”, highlighting sustainable pathways for managing sickle cell disease with Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc.

Representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health attended, including the NGO Coordination Unit represented by Dr. Ekam Ethel, Head of the Unit. Dr. Ethel reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to NGO–government collaboration and emphasized the role of coordinated policy and resources in improving outcomes for children with chronic health needs.

The anniversary also welcomed distinguished representatives from key partner organisations and media, whose presence reinforced the breadth of support for the Foundation’s mission.

Notable attendees included Caleb Audu from the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN); Chidozie Illechie of Sahara Group; Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa, CEO of Mode Men Magazine; Major General Ahmed and Retd. Major General Lancelot Anyanya, who served as Chairman of the occasion. Their participation enriched discussions and helped amplify calls for action.

Throughout the program, beneficiaries and caregivers shared testimony about the real difference the Foundation’s services have made — from reliable clinic access and counseling to life-changing treatment continuity and improved daily functioning. These first-person accounts illustrated how sustained funding and clinical partnerships translate into tangible family resilience and better child health.

Some of our beneficiaries and parents at the Gala

The Foundation recognised outstanding donors and partners whose generosity has sustained its work over the past decade. We honoured Mr. Kola Adesina (Lifetime Supporter & Major Donor), represented by Chidozie Illechie; Strategic Health Partners; Dr Juliana Lawson, Dr. John Agbdiye, and Dr. Yashua Hamza; and Mr. Wale Ajibade for their presence and support over the past decade. Our Head of Operations, Daniel Bowman presenting the awards.

Retd. Major General Lancelot Anyanya served as Chairman of the occasion. In his charge, he appealed for generosity and long-term commitments from individuals and institutions, stressing that donations must be translated into measurable, practical support for children and families.

Major General Lancelot also delivered the vote of thanks at the close of the program, acknowledging the contributions of speakers, partners, volunteers and every guest who made the day possible.

The event drew a diverse mix of voices: beneficiaries and their families, Foundation staff and leadership, volunteers and community mobilisers, partner organisations, corporate and individual donors, healthcare partners and friends of the Foundation. Testimonies from caregivers and young beneficiaries alongside clinical and policy perspectives made for a grounded and actionable conversation.