Photo credit: Leadership news
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerians—especially women—not to suffer in silence but to speak up and seek proper medical care when faced with health challenges.
She made this passionate appeal while receiving the National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination, led by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, in Abuja.
Speaking on the occasion of World Health Day 2025, Mrs. Tinubu emphasised that no one chooses to be ill, and there’s no shame in seeking help.
“I am in support of what you are doing. We are on track, especially with the approach you have adopted: test, screen, vaccinate, and treat. A healthy nation is a wealthy nation,” she said.
₦1 Billion Donation to Fight Cervical Cancer
In a major show of support, the First Lady announced a ₦1 billion donation from her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to the National Cancer Fund, aimed at fighting cervical cancer in Nigeria.
She highlighted the importance of early detection and treatment, aligning with the year’s World Health Day theme: “Healthy Beginnings; Hopeful Future.”
“No matter what wealth you have as a nation, if your population is sick, you’re just the poorest as far as I am concerned,” she added.
Dr. Salako commended the First Lady’s previous support for the HPV vaccine, which helped the Ministry immunise 12 million girls aged 9–13 within the first nine months of its rollout. The goal is to reach another 6 million girls this year.
The Path to Eliminating Cervical Cancer by 2030
Former Health Minister and Taskforce Chair, Prof. Isaac Adewole, praised the First Lady’s “uncommon political will,” stating that the 8 by 8 target—vaccinating 8 million girls yearly—can be met with her continued involvement.
The campaign is set to cover 12 states this year, and another 12 next year, moving Nigeria closer to the goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2030.
The WHO Country Representative, Dr. Walter Mulombo, also appealed to the First Lady to lead the national campaign, stressing that “every child and woman has a right to live.”
To mark the World Health Day, the Taskforce presented the First Lady with WHO souvenirs as a token of appreciation for her commitment to health advocacy.
