Salu
Martins Ifijeh
One of Nigeria’s philanthropist and Chief Executive officer of Style by Saennys, Mrs. Eniola Saliu Akintunde, said she always celebrate her birthdays with cancer patients because she lost her husband years ago to cancer.
While stating that cancer patients must not be neglected, she explained that constant support for them would go a long way in prolonging their lives.
Akintude, who visited the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, where she celebrated her 42nd birthday by distributing gift items to cancer patients with friends and family in over five wards, said she has decided to be an advocate to cancer patients.
“Today is my birthday and I have chosen to share it with cancer patients. Actually I have an experience that make me put myself into this, I lost my husband to cancer two years ago and it was such a journey that took me through hell. The only way for me to show the pain I went through is to show love to cancer patient. I hope for a better cancer care in Nigeria.”
“I spent my christmas with cancer patients and today is my birthday. These people needs love and if everybody can come together to show it to them, it will help in their treatment process, and as well prolong their lives.
According to her, cancer patients should not be kept in the general ward but a specials ward, adding that it was unfortunate that the country only have two to three radiotherapy center for over 150 million population.
“As it is now, much has not been done in the country concerning cancer care. There should be enough radiotherapy machines to take care of the millions of cancer patients in the country. There should also be special cancer clinics.
She called on the government, well meaning Nigerians and corporate bodies to make as a priority the war against cancer in the country.
