Walking for a Cause: Edo State Promotes Breast Cancer Awareness

De-Patriot News Desk

As part of activities marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Office of the Edo State First Lady, in collaboration with the Edo Specialist Hospital (ESH), Belief and Care Foundation, and the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), has organized a breast cancer awareness road walk aimed at promoting early detection, empowering women, and breaking the silence around the disease.

The colourful and energetic walk commenced at Edo Specialist Hospital and took participants through major routes including Ring Road, Lagos Street, and Oba Market. It witnessed a massive turnout of women, health professionals, advocacy groups, civil society organizations, and government representatives, including officials from the Ministry of Women Affairs.

Addressing participants, the Coordinator of the Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, emphasized the need for sustained awareness and collective action in the fight against breast cancer.

“This campaign is about saving lives through knowledge, early detection, and regular health checks. We must continue to educate, sensitize, and empower women to take responsibility for their health,”
Mrs. Anani said, urging residents to encourage one another to go for screenings and practice regular self-breast examinations.

Also speaking, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, described the awareness walk as a strategic and life-saving initiative, commending the First Lady’s Office and its partners for their dedication to women’s health.

“Breast cancer remains one of the leading health challenges affecting women globally and locally. Early detection saves lives, and that is why this awareness campaign is so important,” Mrs. Abdallah noted, assuring that the Ministry will continue to extend the awareness drive to rural and hard-to-reach communities where women are most at risk due to poor access to information and healthcare services.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien, was also among those present at the event, lending support to the ongoing campaign for early screening and improved cancer care.

The awareness walk forms part of the Edo State Government’s broader efforts to promote women’s health and encourage preventive healthcare practices across the state.