From Passion to Impact: SAMI Celebrates Volunteers at 2026 Retreat, Rallies Nigerians to Support #1kforSickle Campaign
By The The The People’s Voice Nigeria News
Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI) has celebrated its volunteers at the 2026 Volunteer Retreat and Awards Ceremony, highlighting the power of sustained service, compassion, and purpose while calling on Nigerians to support its #1kforSickle crowdfunding campaign.
The event, held in Lagos on April 25, 2026, brought together a diverse community of volunteers whose contributions continue to impact lives within the sickle cell community. It also provided a platform for reflection and strategic direction as the organisation strengthens its mission of advocacy, care, and awareness.
Founded in 2008 by nonprofit leader Toyin Adesola, SAMI has grown into a leading voice in sickle cell advocacy, driven largely by volunteers committed to improving outcomes for individuals living with the condition.
A key highlight of the event was the launch of the #1kforSickle campaign, a ₦10 million crowdfunding initiative encouraging Nigerians to donate a minimum of ₦1,000 to support the organisation’s programmes and outreach efforts. The ceremony also featured 11 award categories recognising individuals across sectors including healthcare professionals, educators, entrepreneurs, and media practitioners who have contributed to the organisation’s impact over the years.
The retreat featured thought-provoking sessions from leading speakers, including Debola Deji-Kurunmi, Sheriff Ajibola Moshobalaje, Oluwatoyin Banjo, and Titi Adewusi, who challenged volunteers to deepen their impact through personal growth, emotional resilience, and purposeful leadership.
Delivering a keynote session, Deji-Kurunmi emphasised the importance of self-leadership, urging volunteers to embrace self-mastery, self-direction, and continuous development as essential tools for advancing both personal and organisational impact.
“SAMI is moving forward from being a founder-led NGO to a legacy-led institution,” she noted, encouraging participants to adopt a creator mindset and contribute innovative ideas to strengthen the organisation’s mission.
From a psychological perspective, Moshobalaje highlighted the importance of mental well-being in sustaining volunteer impact, stressing the need for self-awareness, emotional balance, and resilience in navigating both personal and social pressures.
Adewusi, speaking on teamwork and trust, encouraged volunteers to embody the organisation’s values beyond physical participation, reinforcing the importance of credibility and consistency in nonprofit work. She also officially launched the #1kforSickle campaign during her session.
Banjo, in her address on leadership and influence, introduced the “M.O.B.I.L.I.Z.E.” framework, urging leaders within the organisation to remain intentional about motivating, empowering, and investing in volunteers as a critical driver of long-term impact.
The organisation’s Communication Officer, Abayomi Oyelami, noted that the retreat was designed not only to celebrate volunteers but also to provide a platform for growth, learning, and renewed purpose.
He encouraged Nigerians to support the #1kforSickle initiative through designated donation channels, noting that every contribution would help expand access to care, awareness, and support for individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease.
The event concluded with a collective call for volunteers and stakeholders to embrace a higher standard of service one that combines compassion with skill, and goodwill with excellence—in advancing the fight against sickle cell disease in Nigeria.
