Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan has arrived in Nigeria for a major cancer awareness and advocacy program seminar. She was welcomed by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, in Abuja.
The seminar in Abuja has brought together first ladies from 17 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Africa, aiming to raise awareness about the increasing cancer burden on the continent.
The event also provides a platform for first ladies to discuss ways to enhance their leadership roles in effectively combating the disease and saving lives.
The rising number of cancer-related deaths in Africa has prompted proactive measures, including policies and awareness campaigns. In 2022, cancer claimed the lives of over half a million people in Africa.
Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, emphasized the collaborative nature of the seminar, saying, “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.”
Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu expressed her hopes for the summit’s outcomes, saying, “I wish that the results of the summit will be beneficial, I believe that awareness will increase with strength and unity of hearts.”
