[PHOTOS] Ogbeni Seun Ogunniyi Adato Backs Early Detection as Kwara Holds Cancer Awareness, Screening Programme

The Chairman, House Committee on Health and Nutrition in the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Seun Ogunniyi, has reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th Assembly to strengthening the state’s healthcare system through collaborative interventions that promote early detection and preventive health practices.

Ogunniyi, who represents the Ojomu/Balogun Constituency, stated this on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 during the 2025 Cancer Awareness and Screening Programme held at the Banquet Hall, Ilorin.

The event was organised by the Kwara State Ministry of Health in partnership with the Office of the First Lady, the Ajike People’s Support Centre, and Bio Ventures for Global Health (BVGH).

This year’s edition of the programme focused on liver, prostate, and breast cancers, featuring free screenings and a public lecture on Preventive Strategies for Cancer delivered by Dr. Anthony Ajiboye, a General Surgeon at the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH).

Speaking during his goodwill message, Hon. Ogunniyi stressed the importance of early detection and lifestyle changes in reducing cancer risks.

He urged residents to embrace regular screening and healthy habits, adding that the House of Assembly would continue to support initiatives aimed at improving healthcare delivery and public health awareness across the state.

“The 10th Assembly remains committed to supporting policies and partnerships that strengthen our health institutions and encourage preventive healthcare. Early detection saves lives, and our people must understand that timely diagnosis can make the difference,” he said.

In her keynote address, Her Excellency, Ambassador (Prof.) Olufolake AbdulRazaq, First Lady of Kwara State and Chairperson of the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum, reiterated the government’s dedication to the fight against cancer and other public health challenges.

She lauded the collaboration with BVGH and other partners, emphasizing that cancer prevention requires collective and continuous action.

The event also featured the First Lady’s Cancer Awareness Challenge, a debate and prose competition for secondary and tertiary institutions across the state.

Winning schools were presented with awards and prizes to encourage sustained engagement among young people.

In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, highlighted the state’s ongoing investments in diagnostic facilities, health infrastructure, and human capital development within the health sector.

She noted that the government’s strategic interventions were geared towards ensuring accessible and quality healthcare services for all Kwarans.

Other dignitaries present included Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Hon. Olaitan Buraimoh; Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Yunus Usman Lade; Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. John Bello; Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afeez Abolore; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Taoheed Ayodeji.

Also in attendance were Dr. Olubunmi Jetawo-Winter, Executive Secretary, Kwara State Health Insurance Agency; Prof. Nusirat Elelu, Executive Secretary, Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency; Balogun Alanamu, Alhaji Usman Atolagbe Abubakar Jos; and representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO) and BVGH.

The programme concluded with a renewed call for sustained education, awareness, and regular screening, as experts emphasized that tackling cancer requires a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach anchored on prevention and community engagement.