From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Former Kwara State First Lady and founder LEAH Foundation, Dr. (Mrs) Omolewa Ahmed, has urged Nigerian women to take proactive steps towards safeguarding their health through regular medical check-ups and cancer screening.
She made the call during a health awareness walk in Ilorin, which took participants from the Kwara Stadium through Ibrahim Taiwo Road to Yidi Road. Mrs. Ahmed emphasised that early detection of cancer could save lives and drastically reduce treatment costs.
“Tell your wives, sisters, and mothers to go out and check themselves. Early detection is affordable and gives you a better chance to survive or even prevent cancer altogether.”
Mrs. Ahmed, explained that her passion for saving lives through education and early intervention inspired the collaboration.
“What matters most in life is good health,” she noted. “Many people take their health for granted, but no amount of money can replace it. We are encouraging everyone, especially women above 50, to go for regular check-ups and cancer screening.”
Also speaking during the walk, Pastor (Mrs.) Olotu Bisola, described the campaign as a message of hope and responsibility.
“If you’re diagnosed with cancer, it is not a death sentence,” she said. “We are making a bold statement through this walk — present yourself early so that you can have a good chance of overcoming cancer.”
Popular actress Abiola Adebayo, who joined the awareness walk, stressed the need for continuous advocacy and public education.
“We all know how many lives cancer claims daily,” she said. “We must lend our voices to create awareness and encourage screening. There is hope, cancer is treatable, especially when detected early.”
Over the years, Mrs. Ahmed’s LEAH Foundation, has remained a leading voice in promoting cancer awareness, women’s health, and preventive care initiatives across Kwara State and beyond.