BENIN CITY – The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to guarantee a better, safe and healthy life for all citizens, noting that the State is willing to partner all stakeholders to combat all preventable diseases.
Speaking at the launch of the Better Health Initiative, a non-governmental organization that fights against cancer, the Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu, said the state government is already leading several campaigns and awareness programmes to help reduce incidences of cancer in the State.
He noted that ongoing campaigns and activities of the initiative will further reduce the cancer burden in Edo state.
The deputy governor, who was represented by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Osamwonyi Irowa, said the present administration led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, places high value on the health and wellbeing of Edo citizens.
He assured of state government’s continuous support towards the activities of the organisation, adding, “I am impressed to see a young Nigerian come up with the Better Health Initiative, which is about reducing the cancer burden in the state and beyond.”
In her remarks, the founder of the initiative, Miss Obehi Asika, said Better Health Initiative was formed to ensure a cancer-free generation starting with Edo state.
She said the initiative was about cancer awareness, treatment and sensitisation and to provide support for cancer patients, adding, “Cancer is dangerous, it kills and people have lived in the denial of what cancer can do. People need to be more aware of risky behaviour that causes cancer. This way they can prevent it and live healthier.”
