Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC) Nigeria, while urging Nigerians to unite in the fight against cancer through increased awareness, prevention and sustained advocacy.
It was also on a day victims of the dreaded migrant tumour – men, women and children – emotionally narrated their ugly experiences with Cancer, leaving the guests in awe, but with the hope that Cancer cure is in sight if early detection is carried out.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the FLAC delegation and later at a gala night held in their honour at the Government House, Owerri, Governor Uzodimma commended the organisation for its humanitarian services and dedication to improving cancer care across the country.
“I am excited to host you in Imo State and I commend your humanitarian services in Nigeria,” the governor said, assuring the delegation of his government’s continued support for the organisation’s programmes.
He described Imo as the “hospitality capital of the South-East,” welcomed the delegates on behalf of the government and people of the State, and assured them of their safety throughout their stay.
At the gala night, the Governor called for collective action against cancer, stressing that tackling the disease requires public awareness, education and shared responsibility.
He also commended the President Bola Tinubu- led Federal Government’s investment in cancer prevention, treatment and palliative care, and urged Nigerians to support ongoing health reforms.
“We need a new Nigeria where everyone participates in nation-building,” he said, adding that early detection as well as addressing the stigma associated with cancer are essential to improving healthcare outcomes.
Earlier, the Chairperson of FLAC Nigeria and wife of the Imo State Governor, Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, said the delegation visited to appreciate Governor Uzodimma’s consistent support for the organisation’s activities and advocacy.
She however noted that FLAC which membership comprises current and former First Ladies in Nigeria continues to celebrate cancer survivors every June to inspire hope and raise awareness about the disease, describing the Governor as “a special friend of FLAC.”
She later presented the Governor on behalf of FLAC, with an award in recognition of his unwavering commitment to the organisation’s mission.
The gala night was packed full with activities including music, fashion parade by the cancer survivors, jokes, cutting of cakes, photographs, presentation of gifts to the cancer survivors as well as fund raising to support the ongoing FLAC’s advocacy on the disease.
More than one hundred million naira was raised as was disclosed by the Chairperson of FLAC to support the organisation’s ongoing advocacy efforts.
The delegation included the wives of the Governors of Adamawa, Zamfara and Ogun States, Hajia Lami Ahmed Fintiri, Hajia Huriyya Dauda Lawal and Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, respectively; immediate past FLAC Chairperson, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu; former First Lady of Niger State, Dr. Amina Abubakar; former First Lady of Oyo State/ Ambassador designate, Dr. Florence Ajumobi, among many others.
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