Lagos plans mobile cancer centre to enhance health care delivery

Determined to enhance health care delivery and combat the scourge of cancer in the state, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has announced the acceptance of the offer to raise funds towards the establishment of a Mobile Cancer Centre to ensure prompt attention for the victims.

Speaking at the Lagos House, Ikeja, yesterday when he played host to the Board of Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP) led by its Convener Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Adetutu Adeleke, accompanied by the Publisher of The Guardian newspapers, Lady Maiden Alex- Ibru, the governor, who said the major driving philosophy of his administration is to selflessly serve humanity especially by lifting people from their challenges, expressed the optimism that the establishment of the Cancer Centre in Lagos would be to the greater benefit of the people..

Governor Ambode, who described the initiative of the group as very laudable and selfless considering the focus on the health sector, assured of his readiness and commitment to support the course, which the CECP has decided to take on, especially in raising funds towards the building of the centre in Lagos.

He said: “It is so heartwarming that ordinarily the course which you decided to pursue is in sync with my personal philosophy and even my personality. What is important here is that you have decided to take on something that is selfless and it is coming from a passion to give back to humanity and that is the philosophy of this administration.

“What we have been practicing in this administration that came on board with change mantra is to be able to make a difference to the people and also to touch them as much as possible and ensure a government of inclusion in which nobody is left behind.

“It is on that note that I like to let you know that our administration is committed fully to providing efficient health service delivery to our people. The initiative, which you have taken especially on the health sector is laudable and I have no other reason than to compliment, support and also practically do everything to touch our people positively.

Commenting, Mrs. Adeleke thanked Governor Ambode for his good works in the state, and urged him to support the group in its drive to either totally eradicate or reduce cancer to the barest minimum.

She specifically invited Ambode to be the first governor in Nigeria to be inaugurated as the Patron of the CECP and use his birthday on June 14, 2016 to raise funds for the Mobile Cancer Unit, a request that was granted by the governor.

While granting the request, Ambode said: “I humbly accept your offer of being the patron of this group and also accept to lead the fight against cancer. With my humble self and my friends and supporters of this government, I know that we will have a successful event.”

Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru commended the governor for his human development capacity in Lagos and for dedicating his birthday to the welfare of the people of Lagos. She noted that the group would be represented at the governor’s birthday on June 14.

Other notable Nigerians who accompanied Adeleke on the courtesy visit, apart from Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru are Southwest Women Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Kemi Nelson; Executive Secretary of CECP, Dr. (Mrs.) Abia Nzelu, among others.

The CECP is co-promoted by the core bodies of the Organized Private Sector (OPS) and its main aim is to complement the development effort of government by promoting the practice of collective philanthropy.

The CECP has also been at the vanguard of galvanizing individuals and corporate organizations toward donating towards the building of Mobile Cancer Centres across the country.