As part of the global commemoration of World Health Day, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has donated N1 billion through the Renewed Hope Initiative to support the National Cancer Fund in combating cervical cancer across the country.
During a courtesy visit by the National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination, led by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the First Lady urged Nigerians—particularly women—to speak out and seek help when faced with medical challenges.
“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 stressed that illnesses should not be a source of shame, noting that no one chose to fall ill and that early intervention is critical in the fight against cancer.
“The theme for World Health Day this year, Healthy Beginnings; Hopeful Future, I believe is so apt for what we are doing here today,” she said.
“I believe you said most of my work is 70% in health. A healthy nation is a wealthy nation. No matter what wealth you have as a nation, if your population or majority of your population is sick, you are just the poorest as far as I am concerned.”
The donation, according to the First Lady, would help boost access to screening, treatment, and vaccination efforts against cervical cancer.
Earlier, Salako appreciated the First Lady’s involvement in raising awareness about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which has now been incorporated into Nigeria’s routine immunisation schedule.
“With your voice behind it, we were able to immunise 12 million girls between ages 9 and 13 in the first nine months of its introduction,” the minister said.
“We hope to reach another 6 million girls this year.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Taskforce and former Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, praised the First Lady for demonstrating what he described as “uncommon political will” by championing the HPV vaccination campaign.
“The 8 by 8 target—immunising eight million girls annually—can be achieved. If the First Lady lends her voice and joins the campaign, we will eliminate cervical cancer by 2030,” he said.
“The campaign will cover 12 states this year and another 12 next year.”
The Country Representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Walter Mulombo, appealed to Senator Tinubu to take a leading role in the campaign, highlighting the urgency of the cause.
“Every child and woman has a right to live,” he said.
The visit coincided with World Health Day 2025, celebrated under the theme Healthy Beginnings; Hopeful Future.
The WHO delegation presented the First Lady with souvenirs in appreciation of her commitment to health advocacy.
