The significance of the Goaldcoast Dickson Memorial Cancer Centre was put into perspectives by some of the guests, who attended the launch in Toru-Oru. Their views, which mirror the increasing deaths arising from the dreaded disease also underscore the benefits of the centre to the people in the search for treatment and cure. Below are the views of those who spoke with The Nigerian Xpress at the occasion:
Major step in the search for cure to cancer – Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa
The Goldcoast Dickson Memorial Cancer Centre is a welcome development, which, as some others said at the launch, could actually help in the fight against the disease. You see, one thing about cancer aside from its excruciating pains to sufferers is the high cost of treatment. So, when this centre begins to function as designed, we hope to see some action, especially since it is a research-oriented institution and the important task of carrying out awareness among the populace, which could help to detect it early and can be treated. I think we all came to the understanding that early detection is key. So, our society, not only in the Niger Delta but the nation at large is better for it.
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Beautiful idea, compelling objectives -Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, Minority Leader in the House of Representatives
I think the centre idea is a beautiful one. Its objective is very compelling when we look at the situation in our country and it’s a global trend too. So, cancer is a serious issue and for the governor to have thought it fit to come up with this centre is a good thing. I think the centre will live up to expectation going by the organisation we have seen here and the will to ensure it serves its purpose. Cancer issue can only be a collaborative endeavour and that is where the issue of research is important. Regrettably, we don’t have many good cancer centres in the country and that’s why you see so many referrals to India and elsewhere. So, this should be a place where major research findings are incubated and made available to serve those who are in need. It is a good development coming from Governor Dickson.
Reality of the situation is that cancer tough case but… -Mohammed Abacha
The reality of the situation is what these people have come to share with Nigerians. You can see the event being graced by our presidents and many other leaders, cutting across all sectors of the country. So, that’s the reality. Cancer is a tough case and we need this kind of step to combat it. At least, the journey has now started and I know and believe that Governor Dickson will deliver on the objectives of this centre. He is a courageous and dedicated man. I know him to be like that and so we should expect that in no-too distant time, this centre should be making a lot of desired impact. But as I said, cancer is a tough one which will takes a lot of resources and that’s why those who have resources should support the centre. I think it’s a good idea, we should all support it.
Cancer is proving increasingly to be a potent threat to humanity -Dr. Kawu Baraje, former PDP National Chairman
We have to commend Governor Seriake Dickson on this centre. Human lives are precious but this cancer thing is ravaging the nation. As we have it here so also elsewhere. Cancer is proving increasingly to be a potent threat to humanity. So, when you see this kind of bold move to challenge the disease, I think we have to support such moves. I was particularly happy about the seriousness displayed there when MoUs were being signed to facilitate exchange of ideas, research and training. Yes, that’s the backbone of it, researching and sharing such efforts in a collaborative method. The Dubai people and those of America, who came, I think, will help to develop the centre. They will need more of that and even grants to do the challenging task. But as Dr. Ngige said in there, all hopes are not lost and I think with efforts like this we can go far with consistency on the objectives. So it’s a welcome development.
Message of hope and possibilities -Senator Douye Diri, Bayelsa West
The message from this centre is the message of hope and possibilities. We can’t run away from the fact that cancer is not just another disease but also a major killer. The information reeled out by the medical personnel from Dubai at the launch said it all. He said a high number of Nigerians were regularly coming to Dubai for treatment. That shows that we don’t have major state of the art facilities in the country to treat cancer and this is what Governor Seriake Dickson is doing with this cancer centre named after his mother, who was killed very untimely by the disease. So, I think it is a good thing we are seeing here today. All we should all do is to contribute to the initiative and help him to develop the centre. Of course, he can’t do it alone.
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Dickson’s spirit of humanity praiseworthy -Jimi Agbaje, politician and pharmacist
The basic interest there is the realisation that cancer is becoming an epidemic across the world and an individual is rising up to the challenge. This is heartwarming. You know he could have decided not to do anything. But the true spirit of his humanity aside from the painful death of his dear mother by cancer should be recognised and praised. I duly appreciate his efforts. This is mores o if you know how much it could cost to treat cancer and the troubles involved. So, Governor Dickson is building an institution through this cancer centre, which would be of benefit to mankind. Let me use this opportunity to call on all men and women of goodwill to donate to the centre.
Major contribution to human development -Maryam Uwais
It is a major contribution to human development by Governor Dickson. The appreciation of this effort, the cancer centre, is the understanding of the importance of the issue being addressed. Cancer is a leading killer disease in the world. The statistics are scary but with efforts like this, we can hope to have a succour one day, especially those who are affected can begin to have hope that help is on the way. Seriously, I think the governor is drawing attention to the challenge that we need to do more. The Federal Government is doing a lot in this regard also but through collaboration, as the president’s representative said, we can really do more and save more lives. Yes, this is the important step to identify the problem and providing solution in a serious manner like this. It’s a good thing by the governor. We have to support this initiative.