By Ayomide Otitoju
The First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, through her Ajose Foundation, in collaboration with First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC), Roche Pharmaceuticals, and the Ogun State Ministry of Health, has announced a two-year free breast cancer screening initiative targeting 10,000 women across the state.
Mrs. Abiodun made the announcement during the official inauguration of the Ogun State FLAC Breast Cancer Screening Clinic at Oba Ademola Hospital, Abeokuta.
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, the First Lady noted that breast cancer accounts for 20 percent of all cancer-related deaths, describing the project as a vital step in saving lives through early detection and timely intervention. She added that Ogun is the second state in Nigeria, after Kwara, to host a FLAC cancer screening clinic.
“We appreciate Roche Pharmaceuticals for prioritising Ogun State in this life-saving partnership. Early diagnosis greatly increases the chances of survival, and this clinic offers early detection, timely intervention, and sustained care for our women,” Mrs. Abiodun said.
In her goodwill message, Dr. Zainab Bagudu, former First Lady of Kebbi State, past Chairperson of FLAC, and President of the Union for International Cancer Control, urged women to take advantage of the clinic’s services. She cautioned against seeking unverified medical remedies, stressing that early screening can prevent avoidable deaths.
Similarly, the current FLAC Chairperson and First Lady of Imo State, Barr. Chioma Uzodinma, commended the collaboration, describing it as a continuation of the collective mission of Nigerian First Ladies to eliminate cancer through advocacy and accessible healthcare.
Dr. Ladi Hameed, General Manager of Roche Pharmaceuticals, pledged the company’s continued technical support to ensure the sustainability of screening and treatment services in the state.
Speaking with journalists, Dr. Olugbenga Taiwo, Chief Medical Director of Oba Ademola Maternity Hospital, said the clinic will operate every Monday and Thursday to ensure regular access and broad coverage.
Cancer survivor and founder of the Segunfunmi Cancer Support Foundation, Mrs. Funmilola Agbayewa, praised the initiative as a timely intervention for women, noting that such opportunities were unavailable when she battled breast cancer eight years ago.
The event concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Mrs. Abiodun, the Commissioner for Health, and the General Manager of Roche Pharmaceuticals to formalise the partnership.
