I write to express my heartfelt appreciation and admiration for your achievements as the governor of our beloved Kwara state. Today, we look back with pride and gratitude on the momentous occasion when the foundation was laid for the Cancer Treatment Centre in Ilorin, the state capital. This remarkable healthcare project, made possible by the generous N2.5 billion donation from the Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative (ASR Africa) and the BUA Group, has left an indelible mark on the history of our state.
Your visionary leadership, Governor Abdulrasaq, was evident as you graced the ceremony with your inspiring remarks. On that momentous occasion, you applauded Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu and the ASR Africa for their choice of Kwara as the home for this groundbreaking facility, and your words resonate with all of us. Your commitment to the betterment of our state, your dedication to its welfare, and your tireless efforts to secure this prestigious facility are commendable.
The completion of the Cancer Treatment Centre marked a historic milestone in the annals of healthcare in Kwara. It became the first of its kind in the North-central zone, a beacon of hope and a sanctuary for those battling this formidable disease. The promise of this facility, as a major referral center, was extraordinary, and it was destined to draw tens of thousands of patients from all corners of Nigeria and beyond, year after year.
Together with the modern intensive care unit, the dental and eye care units, and the forthcoming teaching hospital, the Cancer Treatment Centre has transformed Kwara into a haven for high-end medical treatment, research, and training within Nigeria. Your vision of creating a hub for healthcare excellence has been realised.
Cancer, the scourge of our time, has been a relentless adversary. In the 21st Century, it claimed countless lives globally, and Nigeria was not spared. The numbers were staggering, with an estimated 72,000 cancer-related fatalities annually and 102,000 new cases diagnosed among our population of 200 million people, as per the National Institute of Health.
You, Governor Abdulrasaq, vowed unwavering support to ASR Africa and the BUA Group, ensuring that this vital project was completed on time. Your commitment to fighting the devastating impact of cancer and your dedication to improving healthcare in our region were unwavering.
As we reflect on this momentous achievement, we see the power of collaboration between public and private sectors, forging a transformative path forward. The Cancer Treatment Centre in Ilorin stands as a beacon of hope, a testament to your unwavering dedication, and a promise of a healthier, brighter future for the people of Kwara and Nigeria as a whole.
Your laudable work, Governor Abdulrasaq, has set a precedent for leadership and service that will be remembered and celebrated for years to come. You have ignited a ray of hope in the hearts of our citizens, providing them with a sanctuary in their battle against cancer. You have demonstrated that with vision, dedication, and collaboration, we can overcome even the most formidable challenges.
We, the good people of Kwara state, extend our heartfelt thanks and applause to you for this monumental achievement. Your leadership has shown us that, together, we can achieve the extraordinary.
Yusuf Adam Bolaji,
Department of Mass Communication,
University of Maiduguri, Borno state
