The Chairman House Committee on Health & Nutrition of Kwara State House of Assembly, Ogbeni Seun Ogunniyi joined stakeholders at the Cancer Awareness Screening Program organized under the auspices of the Kwara State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Office of The First Lady of Kwara State, Ajike People’s Support Centre and Bio Ventures for Global Health (BVGH) on Tuesday 28th October 2025 at the Banquet Hall in Ilorin.

This year's awareness and screening program focused on Liver, Prostate, and Breast Cancer and a lecture on Preventive Strategies for Cancer was delivered by Dr. Anthony Ajiboye, General Surgeon from Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH). Ogbeni Ogunniyi in his goodwill remarks support the call for early detection, elimination of risky lifestyle and behaviour that increases the likelihood of cancer within the population. He reiterates the commitment of the Kwara State 10th Assembly to collaborations and initiatives that prioritize and strengthen our health institutions.

Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq, First Lady of Kwara State and Chairperson of Nigerian Governor's Spouses Forum, delivered a heartwarming keynote address which underscores the State government commitment in the fight against cancer and other public health issues. The cancer awareness event also featured debate and prose presentations tagged First Lady's Cancer Awareness Challenge for Secondary and Tertiary Institutions. The schools that participated in the competition went away with the First Lady's prizes and awards.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imam in her welcome address gave a synopsis of the efforts, plans, and investment that the state government is channelling into health and health infrastructure in the bid to enhance the state's capabilities in diagnostic and early detection. Dignitaries and government functionaries in attendance includes: Commissioner for Solid Mineral, Hon Olaitan Buraimoh; Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon Yunus Usman Lade; Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon John Bello; Commissioner for Agriculture & Rural Development, Dr Afeez Abolore; Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Dr. Taoheed Ayodeji.

Others include the Executive Secretary, Kwara State Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Olubunmi Jetawo-Winter; Executive Secretary, Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Prof. Nusirat Elelu; SSAs and SAs; Balogun Alanamu, Alhaji Usman Atolagbe Abubakar Jos; representatives of WHO and other partners such as BVGH. The pertinent call for action from the event is the need for early detection and sustained education and awareness among the population. Cancer, as a growing public health concern, requires a concerted effort and approach to combat.

Adato Media Team

29th October 2025