Gov AbdulRazaq Highlights Gains As ASR Africa Builds N2.5B Oncology Centre In Ilorin

The Governor of Kwara State AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has listed some of the gains of the N2.5Billion Oncology Centre being constructed by ASR Africa Initiative in Ilorin, Kwara State.

ASR Africa is the foundation providing sustainable, impact-based, and innovative solutions to developmental issues across Africa founded by the definition of the push for a better tomorrow for all, Abdul Samad Rabiu.

ASR Africa started the construction of the state-of-the-art medical facility that will focus on diagnosing, treating, and preventing cancer.- and related tumor diseases with a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, October 6, 2023.

“I commend the ASR Africa for the choice of Kwara to host this unique facility, which clearly bolsters our standing in the comity of states in Nigeria. By the time the facility is completed, it will become a first of its kind in north central and a major referral centre that would attract tens of thousands of people from across Nigeria and beyond every year,

“Added to some of our major facilities like the modern intensive care unit, the dental and eye facilities, and the soon-to-commence teaching hospital, among others, Kwara is poised to become a go-to place for high-end medical treatment and research and training centre in Nigeria.” AbdulRazaq declared at the groundbreaking ceremony according to a statement signed by Spokesperson Rafiu Ajakaye monitored by SocietyNow.Ng.

The Governor who celebrated ASR Africa’s founder, Abdul Samad Rabiu for the siting of the mega project in Kwara pledged the full support of the state government in seeing it through.

Further highlighting the importance of the big money project, AbdulRazaq explained that “Cancer has become a major health issue in the 21st century. Globally, cancer is a major leading health problem with an estimated 10 million incidents and 6 million cancer deaths annually. According to the National Institute of Health, Nigeria records an estimated 72,000 cancer deaths annually, and 102,000 new cases are diagnosed from its population of 200 million people,”

The Managing Director of ASR Africa, Udoh Uboh appreciated Governor Abdurazaq for being a visionary and personally steering the project that will impact the lives of many beyond the shores of Nigeria.

According to Udoh, “I also want to assure the Governor and those present that this project will be completed in record time because we know its importance to the State, Nigeria, and the West African sub-region. The chairman of ASR Africa, Abdul Samad Rabiu, is passionate about strengthening public access to quality healthcare services. Bringing this project to life will greatly enhancecancer treatment in Nigeria hence why it ranks high on our priority list.”

The event was attended by several dignitaries such as the House of Representatives member representing West/Asa Fed Constituency, Hon. Muktar Shagaya; Chairman House Committee on Health Hon Razaq Owolabi; cabinet members led by Secretary to the State Government Prince AbdulKadir Aliyu Mahe; Managing Director and CEO for AbdulSamad Rabiu (ASR), Africa Dr. Ubon Udoh; Chairman Civil Service Commission Hajia Habibat Yusuf; Executive Secretary Kwara State Hospital Management Board Dr. Abdulraheem Malik; Executive Secretary, Kwara state Health Insurance Agency Dr Olubunmi Jetawo-Winter; Executive Secretary State Primary Healthcare Development Agency Dr. Nusirat Elelu; and other government functionaries, among others.

Kwara became one of the recipient states in the federation after the State, through Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, presented a proposal for the largest Oncology Research, Diagnostic, and Treatment Centre in Nigeria.

The project under the direct supervision of ASR Africa and in partnership with the Kwara Statement Government, will be equipped with the most modern technology in oncology diagnostics and treatment of patients, thereby providing Nigerians and foreign patients with world-class oncology services to facilitate early detection and affordable treatment for all types of cancers.

Kwara State is also a beneficiary of the ASR Africa 1 Billion Naira tertiary education grant for the ongoing construction of the 3,000-seater amphitheater at the University of Ilorin. Other states that have enjoyed similar grants include Ogun State, Lagos State, Akwa Ibom State, Sokoto State, amongst others.

As a leading philanthropic organization committed to delivering sustainable impact in health, education, and social development across the continent of Africa, ASR Africa donated 10 billion Naira in grants of 2.5 billion Naira each to 4 States as part of the initial healthcare grants scheme.