Senator Faduyile hosts Cancer Society, assures of Legislative collaboration on advocacy
By Steve Ovirih.
Distinguished Senator Prof.Dayo Faduyile, OON has assured Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) of the mutual collaboration of his office on the push for awareness and advocacy on cancer challenges in Nigeria.
Senator Faduyile,a Professor of Pathology and Forensic Medicine gave this indication while hosting the Executives of Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) in his suite at The National Assembly Complex, Abuja on Wednesday.
He noted that cancer occurs often at the latter stage of life and it is so much capital intensive that advocacy about its prevention deserves the attention of all Nigerians across ages and social status.”It is understandable that there is need for more funding for cancer advocacy and awareness, prevention and treatment and as a nation there is need for us to drum attention over cancer challenges,” Senator Faduyile said. He added,”the health system in Nigeria needs adequate support for cancer survivors particularly oncology care and management.”
While stressing that cure for cancer is expensive, he assured that he will project motions about cervical cancer in his bid to push more advocacy in this regard. The Senator however moaned the lack of medical equipment necessary for treatment of cancer in Nigerian hospitals. “I salute the Prof. Abidemi Omonisi led Cancer Society of Nigeria and I can assure your team that I am very much in support of the mutual collaboration you seek; I will work around motion on cervical cancer in the Senate. So you can rest assured of mutual collaboration between the Senate and the Nigerian Cancer Society,” Senator Faduyile indicated.
Earlier in his remark, President/CEO, Nigerian Cancer Society, Prof.Abidemi Omonisi congratulated Senator Faduyile for his election victory,noting that based on his admirable performance at the helms of affairs as National President, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), the Cancer Society is hopeful of a landmark Legislative stride by a Pathologist who understands on professional basis the challenges of cancer.
Prof.Omonisi who noted that Nigerian Cancer Society will be returning to present Senator Faduyile with Excellence Award, said NCS is particular about cancer control and advocacy in Nigeria, adding that the society hopes to strengthen engagement with the Senate on areas of mutual interest and how to explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership in cancer prevention, awareness, early detection, access to and cost of care, research, capacity building, survivorship and advocacy.
Other Executive Members who accompanied Prof. Omonisi to the courtesy visit to Senator Faduyile are Dr. Tessy Ahmadu Secretary -General,
Prof. Ngozi, Asst Secretary – General,
Hon.Dr. Bashir Mohammed Rancass, National Publicity Secretary
and Eunice Ali, NCS Program Officer.
