The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has asked Nigerians to support government’s effort in fighting cancer with financial aid.

He added that the disease had become a scourge which required concerted efforts from both the government and philanthropists to curb.

According to a statement, the governor spoke on Tuesday at an event tagged “#GivingTuesdayLagos,” organised by a Non-Governmental Organisation, the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy, to raise funds for the establishment of three mobile cancer centres across the three senatorial districts in the state.

Ambode, who used the occasion to commemorate his 53rd bithday, said the centres would save people from cancer.

He said, “Lives are lost every day to cancer and this is unacceptable. This is why the Lagos State Government carries out public health programmes focused on cancer. I believe that the government alone cannot solve every problem. Everyone has a role to play. In my one year in office, I have come to realise that government cannot do everything. The real challenge before me as governor of Lagos is how to unite public, private and philanthropic sectors in building our state.

“I am, therefore, glad that through this private sector-led initiative, I can play a role in helping to advance the war against cancer for the well-being of not just the good people of Lagos State but Nigerians in general. We can only achieve this goal with the generous support of all people of goodwill. Without these donations, the goal would not be reached and the opportunity to save lives would be lost.”

Ambode lauded the CECP and some philanthropists for donating towards the purchase of the first set of mobile cancer centres, adding that his administration planned to establish a comprehensive cancer centre in the state.

The Group Coordinator, Dr. Christopher Kolade, commended Ambode for accepting the request that his birthday be dedicated towards raising funds to fight cancer.