…as experts call for creation, equipping of cancer centres in six geopolitical zones
. Ogun will continue to provide cancer screening – Commissioner
Seun Shotunde Abeokuta
Pathfinder International has partnered Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) Ogun State chapter, to screen over 1000 persons and create awareness, prevention and early detection on various forms of cancers in the society as part of activities to commemorate World Cancer Day 2026.
At the event held yesterday, at the Federal Medical Centre(FMC) Abeokuta, Prof. Adeniyi Adenipekun spoke extensively on the common cancers including Breast, Cervical, Prostate and Colorectal, calling on Federal Government to create cancer center in the six geopolitical zone of Nigeria.
Speaking, State Coordinator of Pathfinder International, Mr Udeme Emah, said that the organization decided to collaborate with NSC to inform the members of the public on the danger of cancer to promote early detection and ensure they have access to quality care to save their lives from the killer disease.
Emah, who commended the NCS for its effective campaign on cancer awareness and advocacy, said that his organisation shared in such responsibilities by partnering relevant agencies to increase the uptake of HPV vaccines among 9-year-old girls to prevent and end cervical cancer in the female child.
He said that Pathfinder International had continue to campaign against myths and misinformation about the use of HPV vaccines to prevent cervical cancer among 9-year-old female children through community outreaches, media engagements, and advocacy visits to key decision-makers.
“These Champions are on the ground creating awareness, driving demand, and improving the uptake of HPV vaccines among 9-year-old girls, with the aim of ending cervical cancer—one of the few cancers that can actually be prevented through vaccination.” Emah noted.
NCS’ Secretary, Dr. Bolaji Salako, while speaking on the theme ” UNITED BY UNIQUE – Advancing Inclusive, Patient-Centred Cancer Care in Nigeria”, said that over 1000 people were screened in the state for breast, cervical prostate and colorectal cancer to check early detection of the death-related disease.
Salako, who urged people to go for cancer screening said that the disease could be easily prevented with little money if it were detected in early stage than advance stage, while urging the FG to spread the creation of cancer centres across the six geopolitical zones, speedily equip them to ensure comprehensive cancer care in the country.
He said ” More than 1000 people were being screened for cancer of the cervix, breast and prostate. At the programme the minister state of health came to Flagstaff this cancer awareness and also cancer screening and today’s programme is a continuation of that programme this is a scientific symposium.”
“It is not possible to think that the government is not working on it( cancer centre) for example the FG has marked FMC Abeokuta as one of the cancer centre so that any form of cancer can be well treated although they have established some cancer centre in the in the North and also some part of the south top.”
“FG should ensure all those centers they mapped out will be well equipped. All the six geopolitical zone they are going to give them one cancer centre of excellence each what they are going to do is to ensure they equip the facility to be a comprehensive cancer care so that whenever any cancer patients came they are going to be well treated.” he added.
Earlier, Commissioner of Health in Ogun State, Dr. Tomi Coker, expressed regret that only 5% of residents in the state have engage Insurance health scheme, stressing that no individual could survive treating cancer and other life-threatening diseases without the scheme.
Coker urged religious leaders to encourage their members to get screened for cancer to discover early detection rather than depending on holy water or substances.
She called on the FG, state and local government to work together to equip cancer centres in modern innovation and technology in their domains delivery proper healthcare services for cancer patients.
“Prevention is better than cure as highlighted by the honour minister on Saturday. It is unfortunate that only 5% persons have health have health insurance in Ogun which is the only sustainable funding for cancer is insurance.You don’t determine the pocketing of your health care by the amount you have in your pocket.
“My message to the Pastors, Alfas and traditionalists is to encourage our people to come out and get screened as it leads to early detection and help nthe person to have higher survival rate that holy water.
“We have to be innovative in how we deliver cancer care, rely on technology to improve the unique cancer services for patients that wants them. We have to look for solutions because it is not good enough that people are dying of cancer. We will continue as government on our path to provide screening as soon as possible.” She said.
