Oluremi Tinubu Donates N1 Billion to Fight Cervical Cancer in Nigeria

Oluremi Tinubu Donates N1 Billion to Fight Cervical Cancer in Nigeria

As the world marks World Health Day 2025, Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed her commitment to women’s health with a donation of N1 billion through the Renewed Hope Initiative to support the fight against cervical cancer in the country.

She made the donation while receiving a delegation from the National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination, led by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, at the State House on Monday, April 7.

The First Lady urged Nigerians—especially women—not to shy away from seeking medical help when facing health challenges, noting that illness is never a choice and should not be met with shame.

“I am in support of what you are doing. We are on track, especially with the approach you have adopted—test, screen, vaccinate, and treatment,” she said. “A healthy nation is a wealthy nation.”

Senator Tinubu emphasized that early detection and intervention are crucial in the fight against cancer and praised the alignment of the World Health Day theme, “Healthy Beginnings; Hopeful Future,” with ongoing health efforts in Nigeria.

“In my opinion, no matter how wealthy a nation is, if the majority of its population is sick, then that nation is poor,” she added.

Dr. Salako thanked the First Lady for her unwavering support, particularly for championing the introduction of the HPV vaccine into Nigeria’s routine immunization schedule. He reported that 12 million girls aged 9–13 were vaccinated within the first nine months of the campaign, and the ministry aims to reach 6 million more this year.

Chairman of the Taskforce and former Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, commended the First Lady’s “uncommon political will,” stating that with her continued advocacy, Nigeria is well on its way to meeting the 8-by-8 target—vaccinating 8 million girls annually and eliminating cervical cancer by 2030.

World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, Dr. Walter Mulombo, also appealed to Senator Tinubu to continue leading the awareness campaign across the country. “Every child and woman has a right to live,” he said.

The event, which coincided with the 2025 World Health Day, ended with the presentation of WHO souvenirs to the First Lady in recognition of her contributions to public health.

Signed:
Busola Kukoyi
SSA Media to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Monday, April 7, 2025