Akeredolu Advocates Increased Support For Cancer Patients


Chioma Umeha

Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, wife of Ondo State Governor and founder of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) wants Nigerians to always identify cancer patients in the area of financial support, as it is one of the forces needed to beat cancer as a life-threatening disease.
Speaking to newsmen at a fund-raising dinner organised by Project Pink Blue, tagged: ‘Show Love’ at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja, she expressed her concern on Nigerian’s poor giving attitude when it comes to patient support, which according to her is a major force needed to beat cancer.
She said a lot of women die of cancer because of the delay in raising fund for treatment, which gives room for the cancer cell to multiply as the disease progresses with time.
The Ondo State First Lady used the occasion to call on Nigerians to spread the message of early detection which saves lives by adhering to the periodic breast self-examination
She further admonished them to discard the misconception that breast cancer is a spiritual attack, and see it as a pure medical issue by presenting early for medical check, rather than going to a prayer mountain.
Through public education, advocacy, patient support, and research, she pledged not to relent in her fight against breast cancer as a life-threatening disease.
At the occasion, Akeredolu and 17 others in were bestowed with an award of ‘Legend of Cancer Control in Nigeria’ in recognition of their relentless fight against cancer in the country.
In his welcome address, Runcie Chidebe, the founder and Executive Director of Project Pink Blue, said their ‘Show Love’ fund-raising programme was borne out of their passion to make a little difference in the society, adding that government alone cannot do it all.
“Project Pink Blue registered as Health and Psychological trust centre is a cancer non-profit, engaged in raising cancer awareness, patient navigation, advocacy and free breast and cervical cancer screening for women living in poverty.”
Highlights of the event were fund raising to support people living with cancer to get timely treatment, cancer awareness, and special presentations by guest artists and comedians.
The well attended event had the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, His Excellency,  Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and his wife, Dr. Zainab Bagudu.
The First Lady of Niger State, Her Excellency, Dr Amina Bello and her Kaduna State counterpart, Hajiya Hadiza El-Rufai were also present.
The representative of the US ambassador, senators, Managing Director of African Independent Television and other captains of industry, celebrities, cancer survivors, cancer advocates and a host of others were also in attendance.



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