The Ogun State First Lady, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, through her Ajose Foundation, in collaboration with First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC), Roche Pharmaceuticals, and the State Ministry of Health, has launched a free breast cancer screening programme targeting 10,000 women across the state over the next two years.

The initiative was unveiled at the official opening of the Ogun State FLAC Breast Cancer Screening Clinic, held at Oba Ademola Hospital, Abeokuta.

Mrs. Abiodun noted that breast cancer accounts for 20 percent of cancer-related deaths and described Ogun as the second state after Kwara to host a FLAC screening clinic. She emphasized that early detection and timely intervention remain key to improving survival rates.

In her goodwill message, Dr. Zainab Bagudu, former Kebbi State First Lady and ex-Chairperson of FLAC, urged women to make use of the facility as soon as they notice any lump, cautioning against unverified alternative treatments.

Also speaking, current FLAC Chairperson and First Lady of Imo State, Barr. Chioma Uzodinma, described the collaboration as vital in advancing the collective goal of Nigerian First Ladies to eradicate cancer.

Lending his voice, the General Manager of Roche Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Ladi Hameed, pledged continued technical support to sustain the screening and treatment services.

The Chief Medical Director of Oba Ademola Hospital, Dr. Olugbenga Taiwo, announced that the clinic will operate on Mondays and Thursdays, ensuring regular access for women across the state.

A cancer survivor and founder of the Segunfunmi Cancer Support Foundation, Mrs. Funmilola Agbayewa, commended the initiative, saying it would help women access services that were unavailable when she battled the disease eight years ago.

The event concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the First Lady, the Commissioner for Health, and Roche Pharmaceuticals to formalize the partnership.