Nigerians in Europe tasks FG on cancer campaign

A cross section of Nigerians in Europe, on Sunday, urged the Federal Government to scale up awareness campaign on the dangers and treatment of cancer.

The Nigerians in Diaspora made the appeal while reacting to the death of former Director-General of NAFDAC, Dora Akunyili.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akunyili, also a former Information Minister, died in an Indian hospital in the early hours of Saturday after a battle with cancer at the age of 59

The Nigerians told the Europe Correspondent of NAN in London that Akunyili’s death was a great loss to Nigeria and the pharmaceutical sector.

They recalled her contributions in promoting the country’s image through the “Good People, Good Nation” project, which she championed as information minister.

Abraham Ikpi, a pharmacist in Paris, said in a telephone interview that “even when she was sick, she contributed to the ongoing National Conference, which shows her passion for a better Nigeria.’’

Also, Rose Ogah in Berlin, said: “Prof. Akunyili was a courageous woman who stood for the truth, we will miss her.’’

Ogah, who noted that cancer was a silent killer claiming millions of lives annually across the globe, urged the Federal Government to dedicate funds in research and sensitise the public on early warning symptoms.

In the same vein, Ayo Roberts, a London-based care specialist, said “the cancer scourge is worst than HIV, it is a fast killer, our government needs to focus on creating awareness”.

Roberts observed that the scourge was beyond breast cancer and prostrate cancer affecting men and women; even babies and teenagers die from various types of cancer.

“Our government needs to take drastic action now,’’ she stressed.