Oluremi Tinubu donates ₦1bn to Nigeria’s cancer fund, urging women to speak up and seek help early for cervical cancer treatment
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has made a passionate appeal to Nigerians—particularly women—to speak up and seek timely medical help when facing health challenges.
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Her call came during a visit from the National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination, led by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako.
Speaking at the meeting, which coincided with the 2025 World Health Day themed “Healthy Beginnings; Hopeful Future”, the First Lady emphasised the importance of early detection, screening, and treatment in the fight against cervical cancer.
“No one chooses to be ill,” she said. “There is no shame in seeking medical help. I support what you are doing—especially the test, screen, vaccinate, and treat approach. A healthy nation is a wealthy nation.”
In a landmark gesture through the Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Tinubu donated ₦1 billion to the National Cancer Fund to support efforts aimed at eliminating cervical cancer in Nigeria.
Dr Iziaq Salako praised the First Lady for her advocacy, which he said contributed significantly to the successful rollout of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
He revealed that since its introduction into the national immunisation schedule, 12 million girls aged 9 to 13 have been vaccinated within just nine months. The Ministry now targets an additional six million vaccinations this year.
Professor Isaac Adewole, Chair of the National Taskforce and former Minister of Health, commended Senator Tinubu for her exceptional political will and active role in launching the HPV vaccine campaign.
He outlined the 8-by-8 target—vaccinating eight million girls each year—as a realistic path to eliminating cervical cancer in Nigeria by 2030.
He further appealed for her continued support as the campaign expands to 12 states this year and another 12 next year.
Also present at the event was Dr Walter Mulombo, Country Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), who urged the First Lady to lead the national awareness drive.
“Every woman and child has the right to live,” he said, noting that leadership and visibility are key to the campaign’s success.
Senator Tinubu was presented with WHO souvenirs in recognition of her dedication to advancing women’s health.
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She reiterated her commitment to health advocacy, affirming that over 70% of her work as First Lady centres on healthcare initiatives.
