Kwara Lawmaker and Chairman House Committee on Health and Nutrition, Ogbeni Seun Ogunniyi, joined key stakeholders at the Cancer Awareness and Screening Programme organized by 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).
The event was held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the Banquet Hall, Ilorin.
This year’s programme focused on Liver, Prostate, and Breast Cancer, featuring a lecture on Preventive Strategies for Cancer delivered by Dr. Anthony Ajiboye, a General Surgeon from the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH).
In his goodwill message, Ogbeni Ogunniyi emphasized the importance of early detection, healthy lifestyles, and the elimination of risky behaviours that increase cancer risk. He also reiterated the commitment of the 10th Kwara State House of Assembly to support collaborations and initiatives that strengthen the state’s health institutions.
The First Lady of Kwara State, Her Excellency, Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq, who also serves as the Chairperson of the Nigerian Governors Spouses Forum, delivered a heartwarming keynote address reaffirming the state government’s dedication to the fight against cancer and other public health challenges.
The event also featured debate and prose presentations under the banner of the First Lady’s Cancer Awareness Challenge for secondary and tertiary institutions, where participating schools received prizes and awards.
In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El Imam, highlighted the state government’s investments and ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare infrastructure, especially in diagnostic and early detection capabilities.
Dignitaries present included the Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Hon. Olaitan Buraimoh; Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Yunus Usman Lade; Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. John Bello; Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afeez Abolore; and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Taoheed Ayodeji.
Also in attendance were the Executive Secretary, Kwara State Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Olubunmi Jetawo Winter; Executive Secretary, Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Prof. Nusirat Elelu; traditional leaders, senior government aides, and representatives of the WHO and BVGH.
The event concluded with a renewed call to action for sustained public awareness, education, and early screening as essential steps in combating cancer, a growing public health concern requiring collective responsibility and commitment.
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