Wife of the Ondo State governor, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has been honoured with a Distinguished Community Service Award by the Oyo State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in an event at Ibadan Civic Centre, Idi Ape.
In her acceptance speech, Akeredolu expressed delight at the honour, and lauded members of the medical profession in the country who stayed back home to practice despite the knowledge that pastures were greener abroad.
“You know what, you have the skills to take care of us your patients and world-class health care is possible in Nigeria,” she said, but lamented that one of the obstacles to attaining quality health care in Nigeria was lack of enabling work environment.
Sharing her medical experience while battling breast cancer in 1997, Akeredolu, a proud survivor of 21 years, noted that she got her treatment and care in Nigeria, adding that she did not travel once to seek treatment in any other country.
On Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) effort at lobbying for good policies, Akeredolu, whose advocacy has gone beyond the shores of Nigeria to the Capitol Hill in the US, called on the members of the medical community to remain an ally of BRECAN in galvanising action against breast cancer.
Earlier in her welcome address, the outgoing chairman of Oyo State NMA, Dr. Mrs. Atalabi, explained that the Distinguished Community Service Award was conferred on Akeredolu for sharing in the mission of the NMA, by collaborating in the fight against breast cancer in Nigeria through her NGO, BRECAN.
“This association, BRECAN has gone beyond the shores of Nigeria. They are collaborating for research, for talks all over the world. She has gone to America to lobby the US congress. That is Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu for you.
“I can tell you that in Ondo State they are planning a very comprehensive treatment centre, from diagnostic to treatment of breast cancer,” she said.
