AKEREDOLU’S WIFE HEADS ONDO CANCER ADVISORY COMMITTEE

AKURE, Ondo, Nigeria – The wife of Ondo State Governor, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu – Akeredolu, has been appointed as the chairman of the State’s Cancer Advisory Committee by the government. According to a statement by the state Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Yemi Olowolabi, the 13-member committee will advise and serve as an interface between the State Government and the University of Washington, Seattle, USA which has shown interest in partnering with the government to improve cancer control in the state.

The partnership will be in the areas of baseline assessment (monitoring and evaluation through useful and tested information, strategic planning and capacity building for the proposed cancer centre in the state; cancer advocacy and support groups and networking with other interested organisations.

Governor Akeredolu is convinced that the setting up of the cancer advisory committee will, no doubt, go a long way in creating more awareness, advocacy, strengthening the system and improvement of cancer control within the State and even beyond.

Other members of the committee include Dr. Dipo Olabumuyi, Dr. Kingsley, Dr. Ajibola Adeyeye, Dr. aba Katung, Dr. Ndidi Okunnuga, Dr. Adewale Alisa.

Others are Dr. Mojisola Atalabi, Dr. Teniola Akeredolu, Mrs. Folashade Aluko, Engr. Raimi Aminu, Mr. Wale Akinterinwa and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health is to serve as the committee’s secretary.

The chairman of the committee, Mrs. Akeredolu is a breast cancer survivor and founder of a cancer advocacy group, the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN). Among BRECAN’s activities is the organisation of awareness among young women about cancer disease and control.
Mrs. Akeredolu has dedicated the last 20 years of her life to the fight against cancer through advocacy and organising campaigns.