Chioma Umeha
Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, wife of the
Ondo State governor and the founder of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria
(BRECAN), at the weekend re-stated her commitment to the fight against breast
cancer, noting that BRECAN had over the years positioned itself as a leading
organisation in Nigeria.
Anyanwu-Akeredolu spoke at the inauguration of
Abuja Chapter executive Committee and Investiture which took place at NAF
Conference Centre, Abuja, which was organised to mark this year’s World Cancer
Day celebration.
She noted that it was timely for every Nigerian to
begin to play collective and individual roles in the fight against cancer by creating awareness both in small and
on a large scale among market women, students, among others.
Anyanwu-Akeredolu also used the opportunity to
congratulate the newly inaugurated executives noting that with the inauguration
of the Abuja Chapter of BRECAN, nothing else best expresses her dedication to
the fight against cancer.
She however called for supports from all
stakeholders stressing that besides creating awareness, there was need for
treatment funding and cancer care centre – a template already adopted in Ondo
State to provide help for those who cannot afford the cost of treatment.
Earlier in the week, Anyanwu-Akeredolu took the
message of hope to Imo State to raise awareness and campaign against breast
cancer.
A town hall meeting which took place at the Imo
State University, Owerri, under the chairmanship of renowned Consultant, Rev.
Dr. Angelica Anele from the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, had in attendance
Owelle Rochas Okorocha, the
Governor of Imo State; Engr. Eunan O. Eke Okpo I of Umuokpo Autonomous
Community, among other eminent personalities.
Anyanwu-Akeredolu in her address while
inaugurating the Imo State executive, affirmed her readiness to take the
campaign to the 36 states of the federation, noting that no woman in Nigeria
should die needlessly of breast cancer.
While charging the newly inaugurated state
executive to remain hard working, the founder of BRECAN stressed that it takes
great commitment to be a member of the organization whose preoccupation is on
charity.
“BRECAN is an association that is involved in
giving charity. We are here to help and to expect nothing in return,” she
added.
In his remark, the Governor Okorocha thanked
Anyanwu-Akeredolu for embarking on such a laudable stride in the fight against
breast cancer in Imo State stressing that cancer has become a scourge.
The governor who was ably represented by the
Secretary to Imo State Government, George Eche, at the Town Hall on Cancer used
the opportunity to thank the
founder of BRECAN for creating awareness in Imo State about the deadly disease.
The event also featured among others, lectures on
causes of cancer, fundraising, clinical breast examination and the investiture
of the executive of the Imo State chapter of BRECAN.
