Ogun State First Lady, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, has announced a two-year initiative to provide free breast cancer screening for 10,000 women across the state.
The programme, launched through her Ajose Foundation in partnership with First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC), Roche Pharmaceuticals, and the Ogun State Ministry of Health, was unveiled on Wednesday at the official opening of the FLAC Breast Cancer Screening Clinic located at Oba Ademola Hospital, Abeokuta.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Abiodun said breast cancer remains a major health concern, accounting for 20 percent of all cancer-related deaths. She noted that Ogun is now the second state in Nigeria, after Kwara, to have a dedicated FLAC cancer screening clinic.
She emphasized that early diagnosis significantly improves survival rates and stated that the clinic would offer early detection, timely intervention, and continuous care to the public. Mrs. Abiodun also expressed gratitude to Roche Pharmaceuticals for prioritising Ogun State in the rollout of this vital health programme.
In her goodwill message, Dr. Zainab Bagudu, Wife of the former Kebbi State Governor and former FLAC Chairperson, urged women to make full use of the clinic, stressing the dangers of relying on unverified medical practices. She encouraged early screening at the first sign of any breast lump.
Also speaking at the event, the current FLAC Chairperson and First Lady of Imo State, Barr. Chioma Uzodinma, described the collaboration as a united effort by present and past First Ladies to combat cancer nationwide. She noted that the clinic would improve access to screening services, especially for vulnerable populations.
Roche Pharmaceuticals’ General Manager, Dr. Ladi Hameed, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to providing technical support and working with the State Ministry of Health to ensure the long-term success of the programme.
Dr. Olugbenga Taiwo, Chief Medical Director of Oba Ademola Maternity Hospital, disclosed that the clinic will operate twice weekly—on Mondays and Thursdays—to guarantee consistent access and broad coverage of the screening initiative.
A breast cancer survivor, Mrs. Funmilola Agbayewa, commended the initiative, noting that such services were unavailable when she battled the disease eight years ago. She urged women to take advantage of the opportunity for early screening.
The event concluded with the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the First Lady, the State Commissioner for Health, and Roche Pharmaceuticals, marking a significant step toward improving cancer care in Ogun State.
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