Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan has arrived in Nigeria for a major cancer awareness and advocacy program seminar. She was received by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, in the capital, Abuja.
The Abuja seminar brings together first ladies from 17 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Africa. Its goal is to raise awareness about the growing cancer burden, especially in Africa.
Additionally, the seminar enables the first ladies to explore avenues for enhancing their leadership roles and effectively combating the disease to save lives.
The rising number of cancer-related deaths in Africa has led to the implementation of proactive measures, including policies and awareness campaigns, to combat the disease. In 2022, cancer claimed the lives of over half a million people on the continent.
Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan’s statement on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday, highlighted the collaborative nature of the event, stating, ‘It is encouraging to see Nigeria hosting the ‘Promoting Cancer Awareness and Advocacy Programmes in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) African Member States’ this year, building on the special session we held in Istanbul in 2016 as part of the 13th Islamic Summit Conference.’
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Tinubu for spearheading such a crucial matter in Africa that holds significance not only for the well-being of her country but also for the international community.
For her part, Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu said: “I wish that the results of the summit will be beneficial, I believe that awareness will increase with strength and unity of hearts.”