Ambode, Ovia, Alakija, Others Seek For Funds To Establish Cancer Centres

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, President of Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE , Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Jim Ovia, and Chairman, Famfa Oil, Mr. Modupe Alakija  were among prominent Nigerians that converged in Lagos to thrash out issues on cancer by establishing Mobile Cancer Centres, (MCC) for the state.

The occasion was the 53rd birthday celebration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode held at the State House, Ikeja on Tuesday. The governor had dedicated his birthday for the fight against cancer.

Speaking at the event to mark his 53rd birthday with a forum to raise funds for the establishment of Mobile Cancer Centres across the three Senatorial Districts in Lagos State, Ambode called on Nigerians to join hands together to wage war against the scourge. He said, the centres would go a long way to save the lives of millions of Nigerians from preventable suffering and death.

The governor, speaking on Tuesday at an event tagged “#GivingTuesdayLagos,” organised by a Non-Governmental Organisation, the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP), to raise funds for the establishment of mobile cancer centres across the three senatorial districts in the state said,
“Lives are lost every day to cancer and this is unacceptable. This is why the Lagos State Government carries out public health programmes focused on cancer. I believe that the government alone cannot solve every problem. Everyone has a role to play. In my one year in office, I have come to realise that government cannot do everything. The real challenge before me as governor of Lagos is how to unite public, private and philanthropic sectors in building our state.

I am, therefore, glad that through this private sector-led initiative, I can play a role in helping to advance the war against cancer for the well-being of not just the good people of Lagos State but Nigerians in general. We can only achieve this goal with the generous support of all people of goodwill. Without these donations, the goal would not be reached and the opportunity to save lives would be lost.”

He mentioned that people or organizations who want to support the cause could come on board, saying the door is still open.