Omotayo Adigun
In a significant boost to Nigeria’s public health initiatives, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu announced a N1 billion donation to the National Cancer Fund on Monday, specifically targeting the fight against cervical cancer.
The announcement coincided with the global commemoration of World Health Day 2025.
Senator Tinubu made the pledge while receiving a delegation from the National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination at the State House. The delegation was led by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako.
During the meeting, the First Lady passionately urged Nigerians, particularly women, to overcome any hesitation or shame associated with health challenges and to seek appropriate medical assistance promptly.
“Since no one chooses an ailment for themselves, there is no need to be ashamed to seek for help,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention in winning the battle against cancer.
Mrs. Tinubu expressed strong support for the Taskforce’s comprehensive strategy, stating, “I am in support of what you are doing. We are on track especially with the approach you have adopted, test, screen, vaccinate and treatment.”
She strongly reiterated the connection between public health and national prosperity, quoting the adage, “A healthy nation is a wealthy nation,” and adding, “No matter what wealth you have as a nation, if your population or majority of your population is sick, you are just the poorest as far as I am concerned.”
She highlighted the relevance of the 2025 World Health Day theme, “Healthy Beginnings; Hopeful Future,” to the ongoing efforts against cervical cancer.
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Minister Salako, in his remarks, commended the First Lady for her previous instrumental role and vocal support in integrating the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into Nigeria’s routine immunization schedule.
He outlined the Ministry’s ambitious plan to vaccinate six million girls against HPV within the current year as part of the broader elimination strategy.
Professor Isaac Adewole, Chairman of the Taskforce and a former Minister of Health, lauded Senator Tinubu’s “uncommon political will.”
He stressed that achieving the Taskforce’s “8 by 8” target – immunizing eight million girls annually to potentially eliminate cervical cancer by 2030 – would be significantly bolstered by the First Lady’s continued advocacy and participation in upcoming state-level campaigns planned over the next two years (12 states each year).
Adding an international perspective, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative, Dr. Walter Mulombo, appealed to the First Lady to take a leading role in the campaign, underscoring the fundamental right of every child and woman to live a healthy life.