OA Initiative community
About OA Initiative

Enriching lives, empowering warriors.

For over 7 years, the OA Initiative has committed to a single cause — enriching lives. We promote awareness, education, and advocacy for sickle cell disease in Ekiti State and beyond, building a future where every warrior can thrive.

Our purpose

Driven by compassion, guided by excellence.

Our Mission

To promote awareness, education, and advocacy for sickle cell disease — improving the quality of life for warriors and reducing the burden of the disease in our communities.

Community Support
Health Education
Advocacy & Awareness

Our Vision

A world where people living with sickle cell disease have access to quality healthcare, education, and support systems that enable fulfilling lives — free of discrimination.

Equal Healthcare Access
Stigma-Free Communities
Empowered Individuals
Our impact

Real change, delivered.

Free healthcare access
700+

warriors enrolled in the Ekiti State free health insurance scheme since 2023.

OA Initiative community outreach

Serving warriors, one community at a time.

1000+

pints of blood donated across four community blood drives.

EKSUTH Blood Bank partnership — free blood for warriors during crises.

Championed the Ekiti State Sickle Cell Policy framework.

Launched Warriors Club Nigeria for people living with sickle cell.

2026 goal

Every sickle cell warrior in Ekiti enrolled in free care.

How we work

From challenge to change.

For every barrier warriors face, we build a response.

The challenge

Lack of data

There is no proper database of warriors in Ekiti State.

Our response

Comprehensive database

Building data and information systems for warriors in Ekiti State.

The challenge

Limited awareness

Insufficient public understanding leads to stigma and discrimination.

Our response

Public education

Educating on genotype compatibility through professional healthcare facilities.

The challenge

Healthcare access

Many rely on emergency care and lack access to specialised treatment.

Our response

Specialised care

Establishing treatment pathways beyond emergency services.

The reality in Nigeria

Understanding the scope.

10%

Survival rate of children with sickle cell in Nigeria

25%

Of adults nationwide carry the sickle cell trait

30%

Of the global sickle cell burden is borne by Nigeria

Our people

Meet the team.

The dedicated people leading our mission to enrich the lives of sickle cell warriors.

Dr. Ayomide Olanipekun

Dr. Ayomide Olanipekun

Founder & Executive Director

Prof. Adekunle Adeoti

Prof. Adekunle Adeoti

Advocacy Team Lead

Barr. Temidayo Ajeredolu

Barr. Temidayo Ajeredolu

Youth & Policy Representative

Prof. Kehinde Olanipekun

Prof. Kehinde Olanipekun

Fellowship Facilitator

What guides us

Our core values.

Compassion

We approach every individual with empathy, recognizing the unique challenges faced by those living with sickle cell disease.

Community

We believe in the power of community support and work to build strong networks of care and advocacy.

Excellence

We strive for excellence in all our programs, ensuring the highest quality of support and education.

Integrity

We operate with transparency and accountability, ensuring every donation makes a meaningful impact.

Ready to make a difference?

Join us in supporting and empowering the sickle cell community. Every contribution matters.