-As BRECAN holds 2nd Annual General Meeting in Owerri
By Martin Nwoko
Wife of the Ondo State Governor, Her Excellency Mrs Betty Akerodolu, an illustrious daughter of Imo State has called for improved health care facilities in the country.
Betty, the founder of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) stated this during the 2nd Annual General Meeting of the association in Owerri over the weekend.
Addressing newsmen shortly after the meeting, Her Excellency Chief Mrs Betty Akerodolu berated the poor support from government, stakeholders and the society at large as it concerns Breast Cancer awareness, treatment and support.
According to her, “this is one disease that has taken its toll on Nigerian women, we had expected massive support in this regard because not a day passes by without you hearing of the death of a woman occasioned by breast and cervical cancer. But we won’t relent in our efforts”,she stated
Continuing , he said, “We will continue to raise awareness on the need for people to pay attention that early detection saves life. It is also important to note that one of the underlying causes of the poor understanding of how deadly this disease is because government is yet to make breast or cervical cancer a national health priority. This is also because of deeply seated perception on culture and religion “.
Speaking further, the Emeabiam born illustrious daughter and Ada Owerri reiterated that breast cancer is not a spiritual attack but a medical condition and her association will not relent in its effort to create awareness about the deadly scourge.
She maintained that breast cancer is one of the easiest ailments to manage because there are many things women can do to manage or checkmate the scourge.
The Ondo First Lady equally used the opportunity to call on government both at the federal and state levels to know that the issue of breast and cervical cancer should be handled well by providing health facilities where women can receive treatment.
She maintained that the health of women should be placed on the table but regretted that are not many women in politics who can raise their voices in matters affecting them.
In her contribution, the National President of BRECAN, Ambassador Tolu Taiwo, encouraged every member of the association to own up BRECAN as their personal venture and as well be committed to its ideals of providing awareness and support to women across the country as it relates to breast and cervical cancer.
The event featured lecture series titled “Maximizing Digital Technology in public health campaigns delivered by John Matthew and a dance presentation by Egbu Girls Secondary School which is also the Alma mater of Her Excellency Betty Akerodolu.
