The Ekiti state chapter of the Nigrian Bar Association(NBA), has promised to sponsor a private bill that would make it mandatory for intending couples to go for compulsory blood test before marriage in order to limit the spread of sickle cell anemia in the state
The bill, according t NBA will reduce untimely death among Nigerians, especially the loss of loved ones that is now rampant due to sickle cell disease.
The NBA chairman, Ado Ekiti branch, Barrister Olakanmi Falade ,said the bill will be sponsored to the Ekiti state House of Assembly for acceptance and passage.
Falade added that the action was in honour of the late chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers(FIDA), Mrs Seyi Ojo, who died of sickle cell complication on December 25, 2019.
He said: “It is sad that we are losing our loved ones to sickle cell and the best way to control this is to ensure compulsory genotype test for intending couples.
“Science had proved it that two with AS genotype grouping can’t get married without recording cases of sickle cell in their offsprings .
“But with compulsory blood test, couples can know their genotype groupings and determine the safe ones that can determine a better life for them.
“If the private bill becomes law, I would now be compulsory for couples to produce genotype certificates before their marriages can be conducted.”
Falade also announced his willingness to sponsor a sickle cell carrier in the state, Miss Morayo Kokumo up to her University level.