Chioma Umeha
The Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty
Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has observed that breast cancer is neither a spiritual
problem nor a death sentence. She made this known on Saturday at the Daughter
of Zion Convocation which held at Trans Camp, Iju, Ondo State.
Themed, ‘The Wise Woman,’ the convocation is a
four-day camping exercise which equips women with needed spiritual and social
capacity to live healthier and more productive lives in the society.
Speaking at the event, Akeredolu identified early
detection through breast self-examination as the veritable entry point to
surviving breast cancer. She also encouraged the women to always seek out
prompt medical help anytime they noticed a lump within their breasts.
“Sadly, most of our women seek help at the fourth
stage of breast cancer. At this point, the breast has already started to decay.
When you notice any symptom, go to a doctor.
“We also need to know that empowerment is not
about sharing money. It is about equipping one with the right information. We
must all inform our people that breast cancer is not a spiritual problem. It is
not a death sentence. I am a living witness to that. With adequate knowledge,
you can take the right action. “
The first lady also implored the people to key
into the crowd funding initiative of the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria
(BRECAN), noting that this would help more women access treatment.
While admonishing the women to be more involved in
health advocacy, the Wife of the Governor equally lauded the efforts of the
Akeredolu-led government towards citing a cancer treatment centre in Ondo
State. She revealed that this has attracted global partnership from Harvard and
University of Washington.
Also speaking at the event were Mrs Funmi Odeyemi
and the husband, Pastor Joshua Odeyemi, who commended the efforts of Arabinrin
Akeredolu in the fight against breast cancer while charging the women to take
advantage of the awareness and advocacy initiatives of BRECAN to lead healthier
lives in the society.
The programme also featured lectures on breast
cancer, demonstration of self-breast examination and prayers for BRECAN, the
First Lady and the Akeredolu-led government.
