Faduyile Pledges Legislative Support for Cancer Awareness, Advocacy in Nigeria
By KUYE Babatunde
Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District, Prof. Dayo Faduyile, OON, has pledged to collaborate with the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) in strengthening cancer awareness, prevention and advocacy across Nigeria.
Faduyile, a Professor of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, made the commitment on Wednesday when the executive members of the Nigerian Cancer Society paid him a courtesy visit at his suite within the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
The senator, while receiving the delegation, stressed the need for greater public awareness on cancer prevention, particularly given the high cost associated with cancer treatment and the challenges of accessing appropriate medical care.
According to him, cancer prevention and advocacy should not be restricted to a particular age group or social class, noting that increased awareness remains critical to reducing the burden of the disease in the country.
Faduyile also expressed concern over the shortage of essential medical equipment required for cancer diagnosis and treatment in many Nigerian hospitals.
He said he would use his position in the Senate to advance advocacy around cancer control, particularly cervical cancer, through relevant legislative interventions.
The senator’s position aligns with growing calls for stronger institutional efforts towards cancer prevention, early detection and improved access to affordable treatment in Nigeria.
Earlier, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, congratulated Faduyile on his election and expressed confidence that his professional background would contribute significantly to legislative efforts aimed at tackling cancer in Nigeria.
Omonisi pointed to Faduyile’s previous leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), describing his professional experience as an added advantage in understanding the medical and systemic challenges confronting cancer control in the country.
He said the NCS was particularly interested in strengthening its engagement with the Senate on issues of mutual interest, especially in the areas of cancer prevention, public awareness, early detection, access to treatment and the cost of care.
The NCS president also identified research, capacity building, survivorship and advocacy as other areas where the society hopes to establish stronger collaboration with the senator and the National Assembly.
Omonisi further disclosed that the Nigerian Cancer Society would return to honour Senator Faduyile with an Excellence Award in recognition of his contributions and leadership.
The delegation included the NCS Secretary-General, Dr. Tessy Ahmadu; Assistant Secretary-General, Prof. Ngozi; National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Bashir Mohammed Rancass; and Programme Officer, Eunice Ali.
The engagement signals an emerging partnership between the lawmaker and the Nigerian Cancer Society towards placing cancer prevention, awareness and improved healthcare access higher on the national legislative agenda.