Lions Club International District 404B4 Teams Up with LAUTECH, Bowen Teaching Hospitals Against Childhood Cancer
The Lions Club International, District 404B4, has reiterated its commitment to work with tertiary health institutions to provide support for children and families affected by childhood cancer.
The District Governor, Lion Taiwo Fatoki, said this during a courtesy visit to the management of Ladoke Akintola University and Bowen University Teaching Hospitals in Ogbomoso
The visit was part of the activities lined up for the district’s convention in Ogbomoso.
The convention would address the most common barriers in obtaining the necessary cancer treatment among children.
Fatoki said the convention with the theme: “Service Without Boundaries,” was in line with the 2025 World Cancer Day campaign aimed at placing people at the centre of cancer care by expanding accessibility to cancer treatment and service.
Fatoki said Ogbomoso was selected for the event to further expand the club’s humanitarian services to the grassroots.
He added that it was selected to appreciate the tremendous contributions of Ogbomoso indigenes to the club’s activities.
He, however, urged medical experts and other professionals as well as well-meaning Nigerians to join the club to facilitate community interventions at the grassroots.
Responding, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Samuel Ademola noted that myths and cultural beliefs were affecting cancer treatment in Nigeria.
Ademola listed herbal remedies in place of modern treatment, lack of early diagnosis, and poor supportive treatment as challenges affecting cancer treatment in the country.
Represented by the Chairman, Bowen Medical Advisory Board, Dr Yetunde Olasinde, he said basic supportive treatment and equipment that could aid in the management of paediatric cancer were still lacking in many cancer centres in Nigeria.
He called for more partnerships between non-governmental organisations and tertiary health institutions on health infrastructure provision, funding, and personnel training for effective management of cancer.
Also, the CMD, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Prof. Olawale Olakukehin said the role of private organisations in the fight against cancer could not be underrated, noting that the government lacked the resources to effectively address cancer challenges.
Involvement of clubs such as Lions Clubs International will definitely bring succour to Nigerians, especially the underprivileged citizens who are having cancer challenges,” he said.
The convention opening activities also featured a courtesy visit to the palace of Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, and donation of gift items to children receiving treatment at the hospitals visited.
