Dike Onwuamaeze
The Lagos State Government and the Toyin Oni Foundation have called for stronger and coordinated approach to cancer advocacy that emphasise prevention, early detection, access to treatment and support for survivors.
They made the call recently during the foundation’s 15th anniversary celebration with the theme, “Beyond Awareness: Understanding Cancer from Prevention to Survivorship.”
Speaking during the anniversary, the Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, Professor Emmanuel Akinola Abayomi, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration among government, healthcare institutions, civil society organisations and the private sector in strengthening cancer prevention and care.
Abayomi said: “Cancer prevention and control require a collective effort that brings together government, healthcare professionals, private organisations and communities.
“Beyond raising awareness, we must strengthen access to screening, encourage early presentation at health facilities and support effective treatment and follow-up care for patients,” he said.
The First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, who was represented by Mrs. Folakemi Fatogbe, highlighted the importance of public education, community engagement and support for people affected by cancer.
Abiodun said: “Cancer advocacy must translate into practical action that empowers individuals and families to make informed health decisions.
“We must continue to encourage preventive health practices, promote early detection and create a supportive environment for people living with cancer and those who have completed treatment.”
Delivering the keynote address, a Co-founder/Chief Executive Officer of Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre and Specialist Hospital, Professor Elebute Odunsi, emphasised the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the cancer journey, from risk reduction and early diagnosis to treatment, rehabilitation and survivorship.
Odunsi said: “Cancer care must not begin and end with awareness. We need a continuum of care that prioritises prevention and early detection, ensures timely access to appropriate treatment, and provides the psychological, nutritional and social support patients need throughout their journey. Survivorship must also be recognised as an essential part of cancer care.”
The founder of the Toyin Oni Foundation, Mr. Akintola Oni, said that the anniversary represented an opportunity to renew the foundation’s commitment to cancer advocacy and the wider mission for which it was established.
Oni said: “The 15th anniversary is both a moment of reflection and a renewed call to action. We established the foundation in honour of my late wife, Toyin Oni, who died from breast cancer.
“Her memory continues to inspire our commitment to advocacy, community empowerment and efforts to ensure that more people have access to the information, support and care they need.
“We want this milestone to encourage deeper collaboration and sustained action beyond awareness.”
The anniversary brought together healthcare professionals, public officials, advocates and other stakeholders, including the Chairperson of the Toyin Oni Foundation and Managing Director of FSDH Merchant Bank, Mrs. Bukola Smith; Chief Operating Officer, Faleti Medical Centre, Mrs. Hannah Ifedolapo Alloh; a cancer survivor, Dr (Mrs.) V. T. Aladewolu, and the Medical Director, St Kizito Clinic of Loving Gaze Nigeria, Dr. Ndidi Amaka Nwosu, amongst other dignitaries.