…Says “A Healthy Nation Is a Wealthy Nation”
In a bold move to tackle one of Nigeria’s most pressing women’s health challenges, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has donated N1 billion to the National Cancer Fund, reaffirming her commitment to the fight against cervical cancer in the country.
The donation was made during a courtesy visit to the State House by the National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination, led by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, in commemoration of World Health Day 2025 themed “Healthy Beginnings; Hopeful Future.”
Addressing the delegation, the First Lady urged women to speak up and seek help whenever they face health challenges, stressing that no one chooses an illness and thus no one should feel shame in seeking care.
> “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,” she said.
“A healthy nation is a wealthy nation. No matter what wealth you have as a nation, if the majority of your population is sick, you are just the poorest, as far as I’m concerned.”
She also emphasized that early presentation and prompt medical intervention are key to defeating cancer, particularly cervical cancer which continues to claim the lives of thousands of women annually.
In his remarks, Dr. Salako commended the First Lady for her advocacy and support for the HPV vaccination programme, noting that her involvement has led to remarkable progress.
> “Your Excellency, because of your support, we were able to immunise 12 million girls aged 9 to 13 within the first nine months of introducing the HPV vaccine into the national routine immunisation programme.
“We hope to immunise another 6 million this year,” he said.
Also speaking, Prof. Isaac Adewole, Chairman of the Taskforce and former Minister of Health, praised Senator Tinubu for showing “uncommon political will,” and urged her to actively join the HPV vaccination campaign, which will move through 12 states this year and another 12 next year.
> “With your voice and visibility, we can meet our ‘8 by 8’ target — immunising eight million girls annually and eliminating cervical cancer in Nigeria by 2030,” Prof. Adewole added.
The WHO Country Representative, Dr. Walter Mulombo, also lauded the First Lady’s leadership, calling on her to champion the rights of women and children to live free of preventable diseases.
> “Every woman and child has a right to live. Your leadership in this campaign will make a profound difference,” Dr. Mulombo noted.
The visit concluded with the presentation of WHO souvenirs to the First Lady, who pledged to continue lending her voice and support to critical health causes across Nigeria.
