To commemorate the 70th birthday of veteran broadcaster, Bimbo Oloyede, a fundraising committee has unveiled plans to raise a N100m in support of cancer research and treatment in public hospitals.
The initiative themed, Extending a Lifeline, Offering Hope, was revealed at a briefing held at the International Press Centre, Lagos, by the Chairman of the Fund Raising Committee, Toun Okewale Sonaiya.
She said that the intention was to help cancer patients in public hospitals who cannot afford treatment or access treatment easily and to fund cancer research.
“Our first female television network newscaster in Nigeria has chosen to celebrate her 70th birthday in an unusual and humane way by raising N100m to fight cancer and to extend a lifeline and hope to cancer patients.”
Also speaking on the project, the renowned broadcaster, Oloyede said that based on her humble experience, cancer is an ailment that could strike anywhere, anytime irrespective of gender, age, size, complexion or status resulting in death but could be treatable when and if detected early.
“In my personal life, cancer has claimed some members of my family – my husband and my daughter. I know how uncomfortable they were. I know how much pain they went through and the difficulties we experienced as a family seeing our loved ones struggling with the disease,” Oloyede said.
According to her, while her family members were going through trying times she received help when she reached out on several occasions.
She added that some cancer patients cannot start treatment because they can’t afford it or don’t have access to proper health care.
Oloyede urged Nigerians both home and abroad to support the cause financially to provide equipment to close the cancer care gap
“On the occasion of my 70th birthday, I want to raise N100m to fund cancer research and treatment in public hospitals. I have visited some hospitals and have been told about the equipment and facilities that are needed. I have spoken to several experts and I am convinced that I must build something significant to make life more comfortable for cancer patients.”
The veterans’ daughter, Bukola Oloyede reiterated that they are not doing the job of the government but a private support from the family to victims of cancer.
A brief silence was observed for all deceased cancer patients at the event, with those willing to donate to the project implored to do that through Lifeline Advocacy and Development Initiative, Fidelity Bank: 5601206418.
