Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State in North Central Nigeria has donated two billion naira for the establishment of a Cancer Treatment Centre at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.
The Governor announced the donation at an International Health Investment Summit, Scientific Exhibition and Endowment fund for Establishment of a Cancer Centre with the theme: "Towards Attaining a One Stop Hospital".
The event which held at the Main Auditorium of School of Medical Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi,
had in attendance eminent personalities from all works of life.
Governor Alia highlighted the need for new approaches to combat cancer disease, which accounts for a high number of deaths in Nigeria.
"New approaches and collective efforts are needed to reverse the ugly trend of cancer which has been responsible for 79,000 deaths and approximately 124,000 cases in Nigeria each year, accounting for the second highest cancer burden in Africa".
The Governor also said his administration deliberately introduced innovative approaches to increase access to quality healthcare delivery in the State and promised to sustain prudent utilization of available resources at all times for the benefit of Benue people.
He said the International Health Investment Summit and Scientific Exhibition would be made a yearly event.
Additionally, former Governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam commended Governor Alia for his commitment to the state's development.
Suswam spoke about the importance of having a cancer treatment center accessible to the people and expressed his eagerness to add his valuable contribution to the state's development. He also praised Governor Alia for his commitment to the state's progress.
In his keynote address, the Managing Director, Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) Advanced Medical Services, Dr. Tolulope Adewole highlighted tremendous milestones of the centre in collaboration with John Hopkins University and other international partners in Cancer treatment.
The Paramount ruler of the Tiv people and Chairman of Benue State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Majesty, the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse along side other traditional rulers in Benue State commended the establishment of a Cancer Centre in the state and pledged their royal blessings and support for its success.
The Tor Tiv specifically praised Governor Alia and expressed pride in his leadership, urging him to continue his efforts to improve the state's future.
