KESCA Honours Kebbi First Lady Zainab Idris as Golden Ambassador for Sickle Cell
By Haruna Usman, Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi State Sickle Cell Association (KESCA) has honoured the First Lady of Kebbi State, Zainab Nasir Idris, with the prestigious title of Golden Ambassador for Sickle Cell Prevention in recognition of her outstanding contributions to healthcare advocacy in the state.
The award was presented on April 21, 2026, during a ceremony organised to acknowledge individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to tackling sickle cell disorder in Kebbi State.
Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of KESCA, Hajia Hadiza Yahya Shantali, described the First Lady as a compassionate leader whose interventions have significantly reduced the burden of sickle cell disease in the state.
“Her Excellency has shown uncommon dedication to humanity. Her efforts in sickle cell prevention and management have saved many lives across Kebbi State,” she said.
Shantali highlighted the First Lady’s role in promoting the enactment of the pre-marital medical screening law, which mandates intending couples to undergo compatibility tests before marriage.
According to her, the policy has played a critical role in reducing the prevalence of sickle cell disorder in Kebbi State by ensuring that couples are medically informed before making marital decisions.
The association noted that the recognition is both a token of appreciation and an encouragement for the First Lady to sustain her advocacy and expand support for individuals living with the condition.
KESCA further commended her continuous support for patients, noting that her initiatives have brought renewed hope to families affected by sickle cell disorder.
The ceremony attracted stakeholders in the health sector, community leaders, and advocacy groups, all of whom praised the First Lady’s humanitarian efforts.
The Bureau News reports that sickle cell disorder remains a major public health concern in Nigeria, with increased calls for awareness, early testing, and sustained government intervention.
