World Cancer Day: Kwara First Lady Emphasizes Enhanced Awareness and Education

Kwara First Lady and Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum, Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, has called for greater awareness and education on the deadly cancer disease, particularly among women, to improve survival rates and enhance the quality of life in the country.

Prof. Olufolake made this appeal in Ilorin on Tuesday during a cancer awareness event held as part of activities marking World Cancer Day 2025 in the state.

She stated that early detection of the life-threatening disease would significantly reduce premature deaths across the country.

She added: “The burden of cancer continues to grow globally exerting tremendous physical, emotional and financial strain on individuals, families, communities and health systems.”

“In 2020, Nigeria recorded approximately 125,000 new cases of cancer with breast and prostate cancers the most prevalent cancers in women and men respectively.”

“Dreadful as this may sound, cancer, when detected as early as possible there stand chances of successful treatment.”

“Early diagnosis improves cancer treatment outcomes by providing care at the earliest possible stage, this approach however is what is being adopted in Kwara State amplifying sensitization of our people on the need to present themselves for periodic screening to ascertain their health status.”

“It is in this regard that I commend the governor of Kwara State, His Excellency Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for the huge investments in the health as well as other sectors in the State; his endearing partnerships have elicited improved support for the state.”

“A testament to this is the ongoing construction of the state-of-the-art Abdulsamad Rabiu oncology Centre to further strengthen cancer management in the state.”

“The state has also undertaken several rounds of free cancer screening across the 16 Local Government Areas with a view to detect incidents of cancer in the rural areas and provide support as required by victims.”

She noted: “The theme of the 2025 World Cancer Day ‘United by Unique’ emphasizes a people-centered approach to cancer care, placing individuals and their stories at the heart of the conversation.”

“It acknowledges that while cancer affects millions globally, each person’s experience is unique, and personalized care is essential.”

“This year’s campaign no doubt speaks to the need for a fundamental shift in cancer care and health systems towards a people-centered approach, by placing individuals and communities at the center of decisions, health systems become more effective and cancer care more compassionate, leading to higher survival rates, and improved quality of life.”

Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, stated that the state government had approved free breast and cervical cancer screenings for nearly 2,000 people across the 16 LGAs.

She said: “Many beneficiaries had their first cancer screens in this activity. All suspicious and positive cases were treated and linked to care.”

“In addition, His Excellency has partnered with ASR Africa for the construction of the multibillion-naira Abdul Samad Rabiu Cancer Centre to strengthen cancer management in the state.”

“Again, the harmonious environment created by HE has resulted in Kwara being among the states that the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) is partnering with to develop a diagnostic centre through its Diagnostics and Oncology Expansion Programme.”

“These initiatives will considerably increase the quality of cancer management in Kwara while lowering the cost.”