Abiodun Pledges Financial Backing for Cancer Awareness Initiative

Table of Contents

1. Governor's Pledge
2. Cancer Awareness Team Visit
3. Importance of Early Detection
4. State Collaboration
5. Health Insurance Inclusion
6. Remarks from Partners

The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has committed that his administration will allocate the necessary budgetary resources to enhance cancer awareness, early detection, and treatment throughout the state.

The governor made this announcement on Tuesday while welcoming a Cancer Awareness and Screening team in Abeokuta during the inauguration of a free Breast Screening Centre — the second of its kind in the nation.

The delegation featured the First Lady of Imo State, Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma; the wife of the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Dr. Zainab Bagudu, who also serves as the President-elect of the Union for International Cancer Control; the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun; along with the General Manager of Roche Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Company, and the Ogun State Commissioners for Health and Women Affairs and Social Development, among others.

Governor Abiodun highlighted that cancer does not discriminate based on status, wealth, or affluence, and underscored the critical nature of early detection and treatment to save lives.

“There is nothing more proactive than ensuring that everyone is involved in early detection and treatment, as certain types of cancer are treatable if identified early,” he stated.

The governor pledged that the state government would work with relevant stakeholders to enhance cancer prevention and management, noting that other companies operating in the state would be encouraged to establish cancer awareness and treatment centres as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

“The government cannot do it alone, and I assure you that as a state government, we will support you in this endeavor. We will provide the necessary assistance, including budget provisions, as this is crucial,” he affirmed.

Governor Abiodun also announced plans to incorporate cancer screening into the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme to ensure broader accessibility.

Earlier, Mrs. Uzodimma explained that the team's visit was part of a larger campaign focused on breast cancer awareness, conducted in collaboration with Roche Healthcare and the Ogun State Government.

“We have united to raise awareness in our respective states, cover hospital expenses for cancer patients, and engage in advocacy efforts. Roche has been our primary partner for years, and we urge the state to include cancer screening in its health insurance scheme and establish a Cancer Health Fund,” she stated.

In her comments, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun praised Roche Healthcare for providing a free Breast Screening Centre at the Oba Ademola Hospital in Abeokuta, describing the contribution as a significant enhancement to healthcare delivery in the state.

Dr. Ladipo Hammed, General Manager of Roche Healthcare, emphasized that the company seeks partnerships during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to support healthcare systems nationwide, highlighting that early detection is a vital factor in reducing cancer mortality.

Additionally, Dr. Zainab Bagudu called for ongoing follow-up, sustainability, and the institutionalization of cancer awareness and screening programs within Nigeria’s health policies and legal frameworks.