SAMI Hosts 2026 Volunteer Retreat in Lagos, Launches ₦10m #1kforSickle Campaign to Boost Sickle Cell Support
The Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI) has celebrated its volunteers at the 2026 Volunteer Retreat and Awards Ceremony in Lagos, while launching a ₦10 million crowdfunding drive tagged #1kforSickle to expand support for people living with sickle cell disorder across Nigeria.
In a bid to reinforce its mission of sustained impact in the sickle cell community, the Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI) convened its 2026 Volunteer Retreat and Awards Ceremony on April 25 in Lagos, bringing together volunteers, health professionals, and development advocates.
Founded in 2008 by nonprofit leader Toyin Adesola, SAMI used the event to recognise the contributions of its volunteer network and reaffirm its commitment to service, compassion, and long-term impact in healthcare advocacy.
A major highlight of the retreat was the launch of a ₦10 million fundraising campaign, #1kforSickle, designed to encourage Nigerians to donate a minimum of ₦1,000 toward supporting individuals living with sickle cell disorder. The initiative aims to widen access to care and strengthen ongoing intervention programmes.
The event also featured the presentation of awards across 11 categories, honouring individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, including haematologists, medical doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, educators, entrepreneurs, IT professionals, media practitioners, and emerging leaders who have supported the organisation’s work.
Four keynote speakers delivered sessions focused on leadership, mental health, and volunteer development. Founder of Immerse Coaching Company, Debola Deji-Kurunmi, emphasised the importance of self-leadership, urging volunteers to embrace personal growth as a driver of greater impact.
According to her, effective service requires mastery in areas such as self-direction, discipline, and influence, adding that SAMI is evolving into a legacy-driven institution that requires more proactive and solution-oriented contributors.
Clinical psychologist Sheriff Ajibola Moshobalaje addressed the psychological dimensions of volunteering, highlighting the importance of emotional well-being, self-awareness, and resilience. He cautioned against the negative effects of social media on mental health and encouraged volunteers to prioritise inner balance.
Also speaking, co-founder of 9ijakids, Titi Adewusi, stressed the importance of teamwork in building credibility within nonprofit organisations. She urged volunteers to embody the organisation’s mission beyond physical participation, reinforcing trust through consistent actions.
Leadership expert, Toyin Banjo, in her presentation, outlined key principles for effective volunteer management, encouraging nonprofit leaders to invest in their teams through motivation, inclusion, and empowerment.
Speaking on the significance of the event, SAMI’s Communication Officer, Abayomi Oyelami, said the retreat was designed to honour the dedication of volunteers while providing a platform for learning and renewed commitment.
He added that members of the public can support the #1kforSickle campaign by donating to the dedicated account: Account Name: SAMI 500 by 1M Campaign; Bank: GTBank; Account Number: 0208883097, or through online channels provided on the organisation’s official promotional materials.
The event concluded with a renewed call for volunteers and stakeholders to deepen their commitment to impactful service, combining compassion with professionalism in addressing the challenges faced by individuals living with sickle cell disorder.
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