Hope For Cancer Patients As Buhari Pledges Funds For Treatment

By Ismail Bayo, Birnin Kebbi

President Muhammadu Buhari has promised to make funds available for treatment of cancer in Nigeria.

 Kebbi State Governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu gave the hint in Abuja on Saturday during the Walk-Away Cancer ' awareness campaign by wife of the Governor, Dr Zainab Bagudu.

He said "'For the first time in the history of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, recently, at the National Assembly pledged to make the funds for  the treatment of the ailment available to patients in the country.

" This is a happy story for all of us and all those critical stakeholders who relentlessly engage in the fight against the dreaded disease," the governor said.

A statement by the Governor's media adviser, Yahya Sarki said under the presidential package, eligible indigent patients will be assisted.

"Efforts are targeted at routing out the deadly disease from Nigeria, especially as it has remained a formidable health challenge in the country .

"However, in the last few years, Nigeria and Kebbi State have made  significant progresses in stamping out the disease. And I am optimistic that, with the current efforts Nigeria would be placed in a very comfortable position," he said.

He stated that cancer advocacy in the country has remained robust and efficacious in the last thirteen years.

He particularly extolled what he described as the impeccable , unassailable and commendable pioneering works of his wife , Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu which according to him has been making tangible effect in the state, Nigeria , Africa and the world at large.

 " She has mobilized different companies and organizations to come and be part of the various  cancer-related functions.

" Tremendous support for the treatment of indigent cancer patients, especially at the grassroots has been attracted by her in the state and nationally.

" The costs of travelling , screenig, diagnosis and treatment are always on the high side and unaffordable to these teeming indigent patients "he stated.

He said her significant roles in the creation of cancer registries in the state, as well as the creation of indigent fund and fund mobilised for its extension  has led to the creation of the catastrophic cancer fund at the international level.

Earlier before the commencement of the Walkaway Cancer, the organiser of the program and proprietor of Medicaid Cancer Foundation, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu expressed excitement for the large turnout of people during the campaign from different walks of life and different parts of the country.

She said "Despite the time and challeges that we have, I want to thank you all for coming out to support the cause and create awareness to fight cancer in the country. As we walk today , I want us to stay safe and be responsible,'' she urged.

This year's cancer awareness program was attended by the wife of the Vice President, Mrs.Dolapo Osinbanjo and a host of other personalities.

The 5-kilometer awareness campaign walk started at the Medicaid Radio - Diagnostics Center and Clinics, Benson Crescent Utako, Abuja, with Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu taking the lead.