The Kebbi State Governor and Chairman, Progressives Governors’ Forum, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, on Tuesday, 26th October attended the opening ceremony of the 2021 International Cancer Week.
The Governor who was the Keynote Speaker was also recognized for his untiring efforts in the fight against cancer.
With a theme, “Cancer Care For All: Through Strategic Advocacy and Investment”, the ICW is organized by the Federal Ministry of Health every October to mark the International Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Governor Bagudu commended the efforts of the First Ladies Against Cancer for elevating Cancer Awareness in Nigeria to a level comparable to high income countries.
He added: “It is very clear that we need to do more with cancer, and take the disease as seriously as other national challenges due to its catastrophic nature.”
As the Keynote Speaker, he also called the attention of the organisers of International Cancer Week forum to use the forum to draw the attention of the World Bank, other Development Partners, equipment manufacturers and leasing companies.
Bagudu urged that special concessions must be given to developing countries so that we can make progress in the fight against cancer and non communicable diseases.
His Excellency, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu was happily recognized for his efforts in curbing Cancer in Kebbi and Nigeria at large.
Amongst many of his pace setting achievements reeled out are: A costed State Cancer Control Plan, two cancer registries and the Kebbi State indigent Cancer Fund for Cancer Patients.
Others are; Biomedical Engineering unit, building human capacity in cancer care, a modern oncology unit, laboratory and diagnostic unit.
The Award of Excellence was presented to him by the Federal Ministry of Health.
Chairing the FLAC Session themed: “Experience Sharing on Grassroot Engagement and Cancer Advocacy in Nigeria”, Her Excellency, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, described FLAC as a coalition of both serving and former Governor’s Wife.
She explained that it comes together with a common goal of enhancing Cancer advocacy, screening, treatment support, as well as influencing government policies in a way that will provide better outcomes for Cancer patients in Nigeria.
Dr. Bagudu, who is the new Chairperson of FLAC, also expressed their appreciation to the the state governments and Donor Organizations like ROCHE, JNJ.
The 2021 ICW in Nigeria featured the:
-Launching of the National Policy on Chemotherapy Safety.
-Launching of the National Policy and Strategic Plan For Hospice and Palliative Care, by the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, who was ably represented by the Director, Department of Hospital Services, Dr. Adebimpe Adebiyi (mni).
Other dignitaries from Kebbi state include : The Speaker, Kebbi state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Sani Abubakar Lolo, Hon. Commissioner for Health, Jafar Muhammad , Permanent Secretary, Kebbi State Ministry of Health, Hassan Ibrahim Maigandi,Executive Secretary, Kebbi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Abubakar Attahiru Kaoje, and many others.
