Oluwatoyin Ibidunni Adesola
Oluwatoyin
Ibidunni Adesola was born on the 1st of September 1965, and is a
graduate of the Lagos State University, where she bagged a degree in
Economics in the year 1992. Before then she had her primary education at
the University of Lagos, Staff School and a stint at our Lady of
Apostles Secondary School, where she had to pull out due to health
reasons.She
was ran for 15 years of Amai Confectioners a cake and confectionary
business established, till she left it to for a Not for profit
organisation.
She is currently the Executive Director and founder of Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI)
an nongovernmental organisation whose mission is to reduce the effects
of Sickle Cell Anaemia Disorder through education, awareness and
support. With brand projects, Project Still Standing which , aimed at reducing physical, social and psychological, challenges person with sickle cell face as well , Touch a Cell a project to create awareness via entertainment, arts and sport and Club Still Standing
a youth initiative aimed at educating, empowering and transforming
youth and teens including those with sickle cell, she has been able to
assist the needy especially families facing challenges with SCD.
An
ordained deaconess of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Lily of the
Valleys Chapel, she has served in various departments including heading
the publication department as the editor of Fragrance, the church
newsletter to where she currently is - the Minister in charge of the
youths and singles fellowship.
Living with Sickle Cell Anaemia Disorder her love for reading and her flair for writing led her to author the book, Still Standing in which she shared her experiences and the tenacity by which she overcame the many challenges that resulted from the disorder.
The book Still Standing is
a compelling autobiography of a woman's struggle with sickle cell
anaemia and the tenacity by which she was able to overcome the many
challenges that befell her as a result of this disease. It is a book of
faith, purpose, courage and determination. It is a book that challenges
the one's minds to look beyond his/her present situation and how it can
play a major role in getting one through the storms of life. Since its
publication, she has been on various television shows including New Dawn
with Funmi Iyande, Today’s Woman, Woman of Substance, Moments with Mo,
as well as radio programmes and the print media, telling her story and
spreading the issues of Sickle Cell Anaemia Disorder.
Toyin,
though limited physically is a very energetic and dogged woman, whose
love for God and determination, has strengthened her to what she has
become. Toyin who has a passion for youths in empowering them,
emotionally, mentally, socially and spiritually runs the RAVE youth and
singles forum in her church, by creating an environment of impact.
She uses her story to challenged young people and has inspired many at many speaking engagements
She also takes time to enjoy her other interest= reading, writing and listening to music, going for concerts/stage plays.
