October 22, (THEWILL) — Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has pledged budgetary support to strengthen cancer awareness, early detection, and treatment initiatives across the state.
Abiodun made the commitment on Tuesday in Abeokuta while receiving a Cancer Awareness and Screening team during the commissioning of a free Breast Screening Centre — the second of its kind in Nigeria.
The delegation included the wife of the Imo State Governor, Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma; the wife of the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Dr. Zainab Bagudu, who is also the President-elect of the Union for International Cancer Control; the wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun; as well as the General Manager of Roche Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Company, and Ogun State Commissioners for Health and Women Affairs and Social Development.
Governor Abiodun stressed that cancer affects people regardless of social or economic status, adding that early detection remains key to saving lives.
“Nothing can be more proactive than ensuring all hands are on deck for early detection and treatment, as some cancer variants are treatable if discovered early,” he said.
He assured that the Ogun State Government would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to strengthen cancer prevention and management. The governor also disclosed plans to encourage companies operating in the state to establish cancer awareness and treatment centres as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts.
“Government cannot do it alone, and I can confidently assure you that as a state government, we will support you in that regard. We will provide the necessary support, including budgetary provisions, because that is very important,” he stated.
Abiodun also revealed that the state was considering integrating cancer screening into the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme to improve accessibility.
Speaking earlier, Mrs. Uzodimma said the team’s visit was part of a wider campaign to promote breast cancer awareness in partnership with Roche Healthcare and the Ogun State Government.
“We have come together to create awareness in our various states, pay hospital bills for cancer patients, and engage in advocacy work. Roche has been our major partner for years, and we urge the state to include cancer screening in its health insurance scheme and establish a Cancer Health Fund,” she said.
In her remarks, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun commended Roche Healthcare for donating a free Breast Screening Centre to Oba Ademola Hospital, Abeokuta, describing the gesture as a major boost to healthcare delivery in the state.
Dr. Ladipo Hammed, General Manager of Roche Healthcare, explained that the company partners with state governments during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to strengthen healthcare systems nationwide, noting that early detection remains critical to reducing cancer deaths.
Also speaking, Dr. Zainab Bagudu called for sustainability and policy-driven inclusion of cancer awareness and screening programmes in Nigeria’s healthcare framework to ensure long-term impact.
Seun Shotunde, THEWILL
