..You’re a woman of purpose devoid of frivolity, Gov Akeredolu eulogises BRECAN’s Founder
..as Betta Edu donates to the cause, says her mother died from breast cancer
As activities commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria, BRECAN, ended on Saturday, a number of individuals and organisations who have contributed and still contributing to the vision of the association were honoured.
The award recipients included the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN(CON), as the Most Supportive BRECAN Ambassador, his Deputy, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa as BRECAN Ambassador of Philanthropy, Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo (BRECAN Ambassador); while long term service Ambassadorial award went to the Special Assistant to the Governor on photography Mr. Otun Saidu and Mrs. Julie Ogbogu who is the former BRECAN President.
Clinical Ambassadorial recognition was bestowed on Dr. Mutiu Jimoh(Most Supportive Clinician), Dr. Ndidi Aishat Okunniga, Dr. Adewale Adisa, Dr. Aba Katung, Dr. Olalekan Olasehinde, Dr. Emmanuel Onyema, and Dr. Johnson Olaniyi as Public Health Ambassador.
Others are; Mrs. Elizabeth Ogunmoyela as Crowd Funding Ambassador, Mr Uket Mbang as Happiness Ambassador, while the Most Supportive hospital award was given to Teju Specialist hospital and the Most Supportive school went to All Saints’ college Ibadan. A posthumous award was given to Late Mr. Julius Adejumo.
The Governor of Ondo State who was the Chairman of the dinner and award night held at Jogor centre Ibadan, the Oyo State capital,disclosed that he was against the vision at the early stage when she decided to start it but affirmed that BRECAN had touched many lives and had become a cause to sustain.
He lauded the doggedness of his wife saying she’s powerful in her belief, strong in mind and a real lioness, who fought breast cancer with detetermination, and had, through BRECAN saved many lives.
Responding to the award on behalf of awardees, the Ondo State Governor thanked BRECAN for the honour, and affirmed their readiness to continually support the vision as long as they are around.
In her welcome address, Founder of BRECAN, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, who expressed her delight for the successful 25th anniversary, appreciated her husband, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, for being there for her all through.
Appreciating the awardess, who she described as shining examples of what people can do to support NGO like BRECAN, the Ondo First Lady thanked them for their support and commitment to the vision right from the onset.
She enjoined them not to relent in rendering humanitarian services, saying that’s what made this world a better place to live in.
She also thanked all those who contributed in cash and kind to the success of the anniversary, including the Special guest of honour, sponsors and the lead jogger for identifying with her vision.
The Special guest of honour, Dr. Dere Awosika, Chairman of Access bank plc, affirmed that BRECAN’s vision is what should reach the unreached, saying it gives hope, while describing the Founder as a great woman.
Having watched a documentary of the Founder’s experience with breast cancer, the Special guest of honour said she was humbled by the story of BRECAN and that it gave her hope for Nigeria; noting that it is a positive story that should be propagated across the nation.
She added that BRECAN’s contribution to breast cancer awareness campaign was mind-blowing, dynamic, illuminating and eye-opener.
According to her, the BRECAN’s story was an event of a Nigerian with a passionate heart, who saw pain and brought gain. Adding that it’s not a First Lady’s vision having birthed it 25years ago, the Access bank Chairman said it was so inspiring,and there was no better way to live than to impact lives.
Emotion laden documentary on the BRECAN Founder’s encounter with breast cancer and treatment processes, featuring individuals who witnessed the trial period and the beginning of BRECAN.
The event also featured presentation of awareness campaign drama by students of Fiwasaye Girls Grammar school and presentation of awards to students who participated in essay competition at the opening ceremony on Thursday.
Dignitaries included the deputy governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, wife of the APC Chieftain, Chief Nkem Olusola Oke, Commissioner for women Affairs, Dr Mrs. Olubunmi Juliana,Ondo State Head of Service, Pastor Kayode Ogundele and his wife, Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender, Mrs Olamide Falana amongst others.
Meanwhile, BRECAN had earlier in the day held its annual Jog4life exercise which had the APC National Woman Leader, Dr. Betta Edu, as the Lead Jogger.
In her message, Dr. Edu who lamented how she lost her mother to the killer breast cancer disease at age 47, pledged her unalloyed commitment to the cause of BRECAN.
She noted that the vision of BRECAN was a great commitment and a show of readiness to prevent another woman from breast cancer and congratulated her and also described her as a lioness.
“We are here on a serious business, breast cancer is no joke, but the good news is that it’s curable and you can achieve 100% cure if it is detected early”, she said.
She, therefore, contributed financially to the BRECAN’s cause of saving another woman from breast cancer death on behalf of her late mother.
e-signed:
Mary Agidi
Special Assistant to Ondo State Governor on Media(Office of the First Lady)
Oct. 15th, 2022
Photos: Gbenga Fasakin
JATS Online News 