How My Genotype Changed from SS to AA — Ambassador Cole

Ambassador Eniola Cole, a passionate advocate and survivor of Sickle Cell Disease, has launched a new campaign to eliminate the condition across Africa, using her personal testimony of a miraculous genotype change from SS to AA as a beacon of hope.

Speaking during a special event held in Lagos to commemorate both World Sickle Cell Day and Juneteenth, Cole shared her journey of survival and transformation. “From the age of 13, I was told I had sickle cell. I lived in constant fear of death. But by God’s miracle, my genotype changed from SS to AA,” she said, calling it a divine mandate to inspire others and fight the disease.

The event, hosted at the National Museum in Lagos, was attended by dignitaries including Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chair of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), represented by Mr. Dipo Odebowale; US Senator Kevin Parker; and Prof. Remi Sonaiya, Nigeria’s first female presidential candidate. The speakers collectively emphasized themes of leadership, cultural heritage, and youth empowerment.

As part of her initiative, Cole launched several women-focused empowerment projects:

• ₦100,000 grants to eight orphans,

• Two years’ supply of sanitary pads to young women,

• Business kits and educational materials, including her book Finally Free and titles on artificial intelligence in entrepreneurship and real estate.

Dr. Dabiri-Erewa commended Cole’s impact, saying, “Raising leaders, entrepreneurs, and problem solvers can transform generations in Nigeria and across Africa.”

Cole also announced upcoming events, including the Raising Young Women Conference at Lagos State University on June 24 and her involvement in the July 12 local government elections in Lagos. She invited youth to participate in the upcoming Billaeon Billionaires Conference in September, where a six-month mentorship programme will launch.

Prof. Sonaiya urged young women to take political leadership seriously. “Run for office, shape your future,” she said.

Senator Parker highlighted the role of cultural identity in nurturing strong leadership, while Cole charged participants: “If you get to the table, will you have something to say? Build yourself now, so you can offer yourself to the world.”