By Ojo Oluwafemi
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has promised to establish a Cancer Treatment Centre in the State to enable people access quality care for cancer related treatment and thereby reduce the scourge to the barest minimum.
Akeredolu made this known on Thursday at the launch of the Ondo 2021 Breast and Cervical Cancer Project held at the government house grounds.
The governor said all arrangements would be put in place to have a befitting cancer centre before the end of his second term in office.
He said there is a need for commitment by all in the fight against breast and cervical cancers.
According to him, When we come together to speak with one voice and take action together, we shall accomplish the goal of reducing the mortality that may arise from breast and cervical cancers.
“On our part as a government, we have prioritised the wellbeing of our women and are committed to it through our various programmes meant to enhance their quality of life, health-wise and economically”.
He commended BRECAN for the approach it has adopted to reach 21,000 women across Ondo State and said that he has no doubt that this will have a positive impact and will encourage more women who will voluntarily come for screening.
The governor commended his wife, Mrs Betty Akeredolu for her commitment to fighting breast cancer in the State in terms of a continuous drive by educating, promoting awareness and consistently providing information and emotional support to newly diagnosed patients and survivors.
He noted that the First Lady has dedicated her life to fighting cancer and has been so passionate about starting a Cancer Treatment Centre that would be affordable and sustainable.
The Founder of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), Mrs.Betty Akeredolu, said her commitment and action will lead to a huge progress in reducing the global impact of cancer, especially breast and cervical cancers.
The governor’s wife said she is committed to fighting for a world free of breast and cervical cancers so that life can be more meaningful and for every woman to get diagnosed without fear.
She urged women to do periodical self examinations of their breasts and visit hospitals if there are any strange symptoms, saying early detection is the first key to preventing it.
“This year is a reminder of the enduring power of cooperation and collective action.
“When we choose to come together, we can achieve what we all wish for, a healthier, brighter world without cancer”, She said.
News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that today, February 4 marks the 2021 World Cancer Day celebrations, globally (NAN)
