By Osemudiamhen Gloria
The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani has led a cancer awareness walk tagged, “Walk Against Cancer,” to raise awareness about the disease and promote early detection as well as educate people that cancer is preventable and not a death sentence.
The walk, which was organized by the Special Adviser to the Edo state Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, Sally Suleman, in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady and the Edo State Ministry of Health, brought together participants from Government officials, healthcare professionals, amongst others, who participated in the walk from Akenzua Junction to the Vegetable Market on Airport Road in Benin City.
Mrs. Anani, joined by her Team and other stakeholders, emphasized the importance of the cancer awareness walk. She noted that cancer remains a major public health concern in Nigeria, and that regular check-up and early detection are key to saving lives.
According to her, “It is the walk against cancer to educate people that cancer is preventable. It is no more a death sentence. Today we are here to create awareness to let people know that one can actually get healed and get well from cancer. Gone are the days when you hear the word cancer and you are scared, now it is preventable and it is also curable. We are telling people to go for their normal check-up regularly. For women, we should do self-examination, breast examination.”
Mrs. Anani highlighted the State Government’s commitment to improving healthcare services, including cancer treatment and management. She assured the public that the Government is working tirelessly to provide access to quality healthcare services, including cancer screening and treatment.
“We just had a free screening for cervical cancer last week, sponsored by the Government of Edo State. We are here to tell people and let them know that we are a government that cares. We care for our people and as a government, we are trying to bring healthcare to the people. So, programmes are going to be put out there to create awareness for people.”
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomole highlighted the essence of the Walk Against Cancer, saying, “Basically, today’s walk is to enlighten people about cancer. Let people know that cancer is real. If you feel something unusual in your body, go to the nearest hospital. Seek regular check-up, diets, exercise, consume high-fiber foods, less junk food, be very conscious of your environment, and early detection is key.”
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Barr. Marie Bisi Idaomi, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Irenose Ihensekhien, emphasized the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle, exercises, and regular check-up as prevention from cancer.
The cancer awareness walk was part of the series of activities lined up to commemorate the World Cancer Day, celebrated globally on February 4. The walk garnered public acceptance, with many participants expressing appreciation for the Government’s efforts to raise awareness about cancer.
