BY OLUWATOSIN IGHOTEGUONO
Wife of the Governor of Ondo State, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has described a developed society as one with healthy population.
Mrs. Akeredolu who is the Founder of the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), said this in Igbara-Oke community, the headquarters of Ifedore local government during a sensitisation and awareness programme on breast, cervical and prostate cancer in comemoration of this years World Cancer Day in Ondo state.
According to her, BRECAN took it upon itself to mark the day with free screening for breast, cervical and prostate cancer, noting that, only healthy people could attend school, religious centres and, even office, hence, the need to preach early detection across the nooks and crannies of the State.
The Ondo First Lady, hinted that BRECAN decided to include Prostate cancer awareness and screening to its programme following the increasing rate of men suffering from the disease, mostly presenting at the late stage.
Mrs Akeredolu charged individuals to visit nearby health centres if there’s any unusual change in the body, saying that cancer was not a spiritual attack or death sentence as people taught.
She, therefore appreciated the cooperation and support accorded the programme by the local government authority and the Olowa’s palace.
Mrs Akeredolu, thereafter visited Basic Health Centre, Molete Igbara-Oke, where BRECAN teams were conducting screening for residents of the community, and expressed delight with the turnout, with the assurance that treatment and follow-up would be given to those who tested positive.
Earlier while welcoming the wife of the governor to Igbara-Oke, the community’s Prime Minister who received her to the Olowa’s palace on behalf of Oba Francis Adefarakanmi Agbede, Senior High Chief Moses Akin Aluko, commended her for the lofty initiatives she birthed to support the administration of the Governor.
While commending Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, for peace and tranquility enjoy in Ondo state under his leadership, Oba Agbede appreciated BRECAN Founder for also showing concern for male health by including prostate cancer screening in this year’s awarenesses programme.
The Chairperson of BRECAN in Ondo state, Mrs. Chinyere Iyke-Nneke, hinted that the association kicked off activities for this year’s World Cancer day at Ilara-mokin community of the local government with free screening for the three types of Cancer.
She noted that, the exercise would be concluded in Ijare community of the local government on Saturday, and assured that there’s on-the-spot treatment for whoever tested positive.
The event featured lectures on the three types of cancer, and fundraising for patients support with the use of a Wall of Hope.
Dr. Ndidi Okunniga, an Oncologist with the State’s hospital addressed breast and cervical cancer, while Dr. Adebayo, a Specialist Urology from the Federal Medical Center, Owo, enlightened men on prostate cancer, risk factors, symptoms and treatments.
Participants, including selected students across the local government’s schools were taught how to conduct Breast Self Examination.
In attendance were the Commissioners for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Mrs. Bunmi Osadahun, and for Mines and Energy, Mr Razak Obe; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Bar. Tobi Ogunleye, the Olori Olowa of Igbara-Oke, Tinuke Agbede, and all the Council Chiefs, the State Accountant-General.
Others are the Executive Secretary of Ondo State Primary Health care Board, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, members of the Foundation for Wives of Ondo State Officials and female political appointees, FOWOSO, amongst others.