By Asma’u Ahmad
Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State said his administration will establish a cancer centre next year for the screening and treatment of cancer patients in the state.
Governor Bagudu announced this at the annual International Cancer Month Awareness Fund-raising in Birnin Kebbi.
He said the plan was part of the state government’s efforts to stem the tide of the disease and develop healthcare facilities in the state.
The governor commended Medic Aid Cancer (Medicaid Foundation) which champions the fight against cancer in the state for its advocacy against the disease.
He said that the foundation, established by his wife, Dr. Zainab Atiku Bagudu, had been screening and treating breast and cervical cancer patients.
“The success achieved so far demonstrates the foundation’s commitment to stamp out cancer in the state; we support any advocacy that improves the health of our people,” he said.
Hajiya Zainab had earlier said the foundation had since begun the screening of 3,000 women in the state for breast and cervical cancer.
She said that the screening was in collaboration with some partners, including Society of Family Health, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the state Ministry of Health, in providing free screening to 2,000 patients.
She added that the Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari’s “Future Assured Foundation” was also sponsoring the screening of additional 1,000 patients.
The wife of the governor said more than 66 medical personnel were trained in handling cancer cases across the state, adding that they are drawn from the 21 local government areas of the state.
Also speaking, the Wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs Bolanle Ambode, commended the foundation for conducting free screening exercise for more than 25,000 men and women in six years.
She commended the initiative of her colleague, noting that it will continue to positively impact the people in the northern part of the country.
Newsmen report that the wives of Zamfara, Kogi, Niger, Nasarawa, Cross River, Oyo and Sokoto state governors attended the event.
