Korede Abdullah 
ABEOKUTA, Nigeria – Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has pledged to include dedicated funding for cancer awareness, early detection, and treatment in the state’s upcoming budget to strengthen healthcare delivery and save more lives.
The governor made the commitment on Tuesday while receiving the Cancer Awareness and Screening Team in Abeokuta during the launch of a free breast screening centre at Oba Ademola Hospital and Maternity.
“The government cannot do it alone, but I assure you that Ogun State will make adequate budgetary provisions for cancer awareness and care,” Abiodun said.
He announced plans to integrate cancer screening into the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme, ensuring broader access for residents. Abiodun also urged companies to support Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects focused on cancer prevention and treatment.
Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma, wife of the Imo State Governor and Chairperson of First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC), led the delegation alongside Dr Zainab Bagudu, wife of the Minister of Budget and National Planning, and Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, wife of the Ogun State Governor.
“We came together to raise awareness, pay hospital bills, and support advocacy,” Mrs Uzodimma said. “We encourage Ogun to set up a Cancer Health Fund.”
Mrs. Abiodun revealed that 10,000 women will receive free breast cancer screening in the next two years through the FLAC Clinic.
Other speakers, including Dr Zainab Bagudu, Dr Ladi Hameed of Roche Healthcare, and Dr Tomi Coker, Ogun State Commissioner for Health, urged sustained partnerships to tackle Nigeria’s growing cancer burden, which records 128,000 new cases and 80,000 deaths annually.
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