Mrs Akeredolu Calls for More Cancer Awareness as ODSG Signs MoU With Harvard

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The Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu -Akeredolu has emphasised the need for adequate breast cancer awareness within Ondo State and beyond. She made this known during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Ondo State government and Harvard University which held on Friday in Akure.

Describing the MoU which seeks to establish a cancer treatment centre in Ondo State as a welcome development, the First Lady lauded the support of the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu led administration in the fight against breast cancer within the State.

“I am very delighted by the support of Arakunrin in our fight against breast cancer. I appreciate the State government for buying into this vision.”

While noting the economic prospects of the cancer treatment centre to Ondo State, Mrs Akeredolu observed that religious leaders should be involved in the move against breast cancer stressing that this would help to debunk some superstitious beliefs which inhibit breast cancer victims from accessing prompt medical help.

“We need to engage religious leaders in the fight against breast cancer. The people must be taught that breast cancer is not witchcraft. It can be treated if prompt medical assistance is accessed.

“We may not wipe out cancer from the surface of the earth because as humans we fall sick sometimes. But we should be part of every effort that will make it manageable so that people can survive it.”

In his remark, the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, thanked the Harvard team and other allied bodies for their support in the fight against breast cancer. He also restated the unwavering commitment of the State government towards ensuring that the people accessed proper health care.

Also speaking at the event were the Secretary to Ondo State Government, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, the leader of the Harvard team, Prof. Wilfred Ngwa and the Ondo State Health Commissioner, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro who appreciated Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for prioritizing health-care in his administrative policies and pledged to ensure that the project is finished in good time.