The former First Lady of Kwara State, Deaconess Omolewa Ahmed, led several women and groups on an endurance walk around the Ilorin metropolis at the weekend to raise awareness about breast and cervical cancers among women.

The founder of the LEAH Foundation said she initiated the campaign in 2016 when it became evident that women were not sufficiently aware of the devastating effects of these terminal ailments.

She told newsmen that the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) had reached the hinterland in its efforts to engage people at the grassroots.

According to her, her passion for women’s health began 13 years ago while she was in office, and she focused on a campaign against cancer.
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She said, “This is a calling for me, it’s my ministry, which is why it has survived beyond my tenure as the First Lady.”

She urged Nigerians to act on health awareness campaigns, saying, “People should ensure proper adherence to health awareness, especially regarding conditions that can lead to terminal ailments.”

Omolewa advised women to prioritise their physical health over daily chores, saying, “That is why we have been going to local governments to preach against breast cancer—we want to avoid the mortality stage at all costs.”

She disclosed that her project sponsored a Nollywood movie, *Diamond in the Sky*, featuring Omowunmi Dada, to promote the fight against cancer.

Omowunmi said she accepted the lead role because of her belief in and commitment to womanhood, encouraging girls and women to undergo regular cervical cancer screening.