Southern governors’ wives seek increase funding in treatment of cancer

WIVES of governors in the Southern part of Nigeria, under the umbrella of Southern Governors’s Forum, have sought for increase in funding for the treatment of cancer, among women in the country.

They said this on Thursday during an interactive session with women at the fifth edition of the quarterly meeting of the Forum, hosted by the Ogun State government, held at the June 12, Cultural Centre, Kuto, and Abeokuta.

They noted that cancer disease is prevalent in the country, especially among the womenfolk resulting to deaths.

The Forum comprises wives of the governors ‘of Abia, Ogun, Cross Rivers, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo, Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Oyo, Balyesa, Enugu, Delta and Edo States.

However, Mrs. Eberechi Nyesome -Wike, Mrs. Betty Obaseki and Dr. Racheal Dickson, were absent at the meeting.

They all individually spoke on different topical issues ranging from health; family; small scale businesses; agriculture among others.

In their presentations, Dr. Linda Ayade and Mrs. Betty Akeredolu agreed that prevention is the best approach to survival of Cancer.

Ayade noted that quite a large number of women are dying of cancer annually, while advising women to be observant of changes in the body system.

While Akeredolu stressed the need for awareness and education about the disease, saying she is a breast cancer survivor of over 20 years.

She lamented that none of the seven cancer centres spread across the country are functioning optimally.

Akeredolu who spoke on “Taking proactive steps towards cancer control”, said, “I am a survivor of breast cancer of over 20 years. Cancer disease is prevalent in Nigeria and cancer patients pass through traumatic experiences.

“There is need for more awareness and education about this deadly disease, especially breast cancer. This disease is increasingly affecting the womenfolk. Government should appropriate money for cancer control. State governments should establish cancer control centres.”

Mrs. Martha Udom while speaking on the “Importance of Educating a girl child on sex education”, advised mothers to teach their wards, especially the girl child on sex education early in life.

She explained that this step would reduced unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and depression.

For Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, enjoined the womenfolk to always fight for social status by displaying their capability in their chosen career.

Ambode who spoke on “Breaking the glass ceiling in career progression” asked the women to believe in themselves and show sense of determination to succeed.

“Anyone who wishes to succeed must be ready to break the ceiling. Women should be determined to succeed and make their voices heard. They should be bold, courageous in their pursuits,” she added.

The host, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, said the Forum is not a “jamboree” one, but was established to impart meaningfully on the lives of women in the Southern States.

The chairperson of the Forum, Mrs. Nkechi Rochas-Okorocha, in her welcome address said the Forum was the brain-child of the wife of the President,  Hajia Aisha Buhari aimed at equipping the women materially, mentally, economically, morally and spiritually.

Earlier,  the governors’ wives had paid a courtesy visit on Governor Ibikunle Amosun at his Oke-Mosan office.