Amb (Dr) William Odion Encourages Nigerians To Go For Genetic Counselling Before Marriage And Here Is Why It Matters More Than Ever
Marriage in Nigeria has always been a union that involves more than two people. It brings together families, cultures, and entire communities. Yet, as beautiful as our traditions are, there is one conversation that many couples still avoid, even though it can shape the entire future of their home. This conversation is genetic counselling.
In recent years, Amb (Dr) William Odion has consistently used his platform to emphasize the importance of genetic awareness. His message is simple, but deeply important. Before you say “yes” at the altar, you must first understand the genetic compatibility between you and your partner. This is not about fear. It is about preparation, responsibility, and love expressed in its highest form.
Genetic counselling is no longer something reserved for medical professionals or families with a history of serious conditions. In today’s Nigeria, it is a basic necessity for every couple planning to build a home. With conditions like sickle cell disorder still affecting thousands of families every year, Dr. Odion believes it is time for Nigerians to move from reactive decisions to preventive wisdom.
When you understand your genotype and your partner’s genotype, you are not just gathering information; you are shaping the health and stability of your future children. For decades, families have been thrown into avoidable emotional and financial distress because two people made marital decisions without understanding the genetic risks involved. Dr. Odion speaks strongly about this because he has seen the tears, the hospital visits, the silent suffering, and the unspoken regrets that could have been prevented.
Genetic counselling gives couples a full understanding of the health implications that may arise from their union. This is especially crucial for conditions such as sickle cell disease, which is still common among Nigerians. The pain crises, hospital admissions, financial strain, emotional exhaustion, and the anxiety that families experience are overwhelming. Many who go through these experiences admit they wish they had known better earlier.
The goal of genetic counselling is not to break relationships or discourage love. It is to equip couples with the information they need to make sound decisions. A strong marriage must be built on truth, and truth includes understanding the genetic realities that may influence your family’s future. Dr. Odion’s call is a compassionate invitation for couples to choose knowledge over assumption.
A healthy home is not built by luck. It is built by intention. As Nigerians, we often pray for strong marriages, peaceful homes, and healthy children. Yet, God gives us wisdom and expects us to use it. Genetic knowledge is part of that wisdom. It empowers couples to avoid preventable challenges and protect the wellbeing of the children they hope to raise.
There are couples who discover too late that their genotypes are incompatible, and the emotional trauma that follows is enormous. Some try to walk away, others stay and hope for the best, while a few choose difficult alternatives. But in many cases, if the conversation had happened earlier, the story would have been different.
Dr. Odion encourages couples to adopt a proactive approach. Start early. Before engagement, before introduction, before planning a wedding. Have the conversation. Visit a certified medical center together. Take the test. Ask the questions. Understand the results. Discuss the implications honestly. This is what builds maturity, trust, and a future free from avoidable pain.
Genetic counselling is not only about sickle cell. It also helps couples identify risks around inherited disorders, fertility issues, carrier statuses, and overall reproductive health. In a time when many young couples face increasing medical challenges, knowledge becomes a powerful tool that can guide them toward healthier decisions.
The reality is simple. No one wants to start a family on a foundation of uncertainty. Every couple hopes to raise healthy children, enjoy peace in their marriage, and avoid emotional exhaustion. Genetic counselling is one of the most effective ways to secure these hopes. It replaces assumptions with facts, confusion with clarity, and regret with informed choices.
Dr. Odion is not just speaking from a medical perspective. He is speaking from compassion. He understands the emotional burden families carry when faced with genetic-related complications. He sees the need for awareness, education, and early action. He believes that Nigeria can reduce the prevalence of sickle cell disorder and other genetic conditions if couples take this message seriously.
His message challenges our cultural mindset. For many years, genotype conversations were seen as uncomfortable, intrusive, or unnecessary. Today, they must become a normal part of courtship. Just as couples talk about finances, values, faith, and future plans, they must also talk about genetic compatibility. It is a responsibility every adult should embrace.
We live in a time where information is accessible. Medical centers across Nigeria provide genotype and genetic counselling services at affordable rates. Couples have no reason to wait. The sooner you know, the better your decisions will be. Knowledge relieves fear. It opens the door to realistic planning. It strengthens your relationship because it is built on honesty and transparency.
Dr. Odion’s advocacy is a national call to wisdom. He encourages churches, families, parents, and community leaders to support this movement. It should not be seen as offensive or insensitive to ask about genotype. It is an act of love, care, and respect. It shows that you value the future and wellbeing of your family.
Genetic counselling is not about discrimination. It is about protecting your future children. It is about ensuring that your marriage is built on a foundation that can withstand life’s challenges. Every couple deserves the peace that comes from informed decision-making.
Nigeria needs this awareness now more than ever. With increasing cases of sickle cell complications and families struggling under emotional and financial pressure, preventive education is the way forward. Dr. Odion’s message is a wake-up call. A reminder that love is not only about the present moment; it is about the future you are creating together.
If more couples embrace genetic counselling before marriage, Nigeria will see a new generation of healthier children, stronger families, and more stable homes. It starts with one conversation. One test. One decision rooted in wisdom.
Your future family deserves the best chance at a healthy life. Genetic counselling gives you that chance. Let this message be a reminder that preparation is an act of love. Awareness is empowerment. Wisdom is protection. And the choices you make today will shape the lives of the children you hope to bring into this world.
This is the heart behind Dr. William Odion’s message. A call to every Nigerian to prioritize genetic knowledge before marriage. Not out of fear, but out of responsibility, compassion, and hope for a healthier future.
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