Akeredolu’s wife seeks budgetary vote for anti-cancer crusade

Wife of the Ondo State Governor, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu yesterday urged government at all levels to make provisions for cancer control, treatment and prevention in their budgets.

She stated this at the launch of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) and investiture of its state executive led by the state coordinator, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Ayimoro in Akure.

Several state chapters of the association across the country, traditional rulers, health stakeholders, civil societies and all top government functionaries attended the event.

Anyanwu-Akeredolu noted that BRECAN was about humanitarian services and giving back to the society, adding: “It is something that everybody should be concerned about because it affects a very important segment of our society.”

She said women were the predominant victims of breast cancer in the world, stressing that anything that affects the health of women negatively would also affect everyone.

The Ondo first lady, who disclosed that she survived the disease 20 years ago, lamented that the governments and individuals suffering the ailments were not proactive in its control, prevention and treatment.

She also decried governments’ lukewarm attitude, unlike other countries across the world, to the fight against the disease by not mating adequate budgetary allocation for it in their annual budgets.

“I have been on the rooftop screaming for everyone that cares to know. I am a survivor and I am using my experience to say to everyone that has the challenge they can survive it. Twenty years and I am still looking good because of adequate information.

“If I am here speaking to you after 20 years, I don’t see why any woman should die of breast cancer,” she said, assuring that the state government would establish a well-equipped cancer treatment centre with radiotherapy, mammogram and other facilities.

The National President of BRECAN, Mrs. Juliet Ogbuogu who described Akeredolu as a unique ambassador of BRECAN said the governor had always been a supportive person, adding: “We want breast cancer screening machine in Ondo State.”

Meanwhile, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) had assured of his administration’s commitment to prevent untimely deaths among breast cancer patients in the state.

He said most patients were not lucky to survive the disease because of its deadly nature, assuring that his administration would take efforts aimed at treating the disease seriously.