Ambode, CECP unite to fight cancer

The move for the establishment of mobile cancer centres (MCCs) in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yesterday got a boost as eminent Nigerians yesterday converged on Lagos to raise funds towards the actualisation of the project.

At the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy in Nigeria (CECP) event held yesterday at Lagos House, Ikeja to mark the 53rd birthday of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, the personalities, including the Publisher of The Guardian, Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru, President of Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Jim Ovia, were major backers.

In his address, Ambode noted that the fund raising was the first step towards winning the fight against cancer, adding that the facilities would be deployed to the state’s three senatorial districts to fight the scourge.

“This will help us save millions of Nigerians from the cancer scourge. Without this donation, the war against cancer cannot be achieved. And the opportunity to save life will be lost.

“It is not a celebration but a call to act because against all odds especially the economic downturn, you all are still ready to stand up and give back to the society. There is more value to ourselves and humanity than we ever imagine,” he added.

The governor welcomed partnership from the corporate world, saying, “The door is still open.”“I want to thank the CECP, that even in their old age, they are able to chart the right path for us to follow. We will continue to do this because we believe in it. We also believe that beyond the achievement that we make in life, it is all about giving back to humanity that is the real essence of our living. I am to celebrate this day with my friends who are among the 100 special philanthropists, who are called the Centurion.”

The governor noted that the current focus is the big war against cancer with the first phase involving raising funds to procure the 37 MCCs for the 36 states and the FCT.

Earlier, Ibru, a board member of CECP, maintained that combating the scourge should be a concern to all, including private and corporate individuals.

She explained that 240 persons die daily from preventable cancer, revealing that funds had been raised for the first set of the facilities for the states and the FCT.

Another board member, Christopher Kolade, urged other governors to join the crusade.