OGUN ADVOCATES EARLY PROSTATE CANCER DETECTION
Ogun State Government has charged male residents in the state, particularly those over 40 years, to undergo prostate cancer screening at least, once annually, for early detection and treatment of the disease, to significantly reduce prostate cancer deaths in the state.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, gave the charge while monitoring a free cancer screening programme, organised to commemorate the 2024 World Cancer Day in State Hospitals at Abeokuta, Isara, Ijebu Ode, Ifo, Ota and Ilaro.
Dr. Coker disclosed that the screening programme was aimed at sensitising members of the public on the availability of prostate cancer screening in state secondary facilities, to scale up awareness of prostate cancer, adding that State Hospitals at Abeokuta, Isara, Ijebu-Ode, Ifo, Ota, and Ilaro, were designated to offer free screening during the programme.
Represented by the State Coordinator, Non-communicable Diseases Unit, Dr. Esther Oguntayo, the Commissioner urged all men aged 40 and above to avail themselves of the opportunity of being screened at these hospitals, even after the free screening exercise, noting that residents needed to be aware of prostate, breast and cervical cancer.
She pointed out that cancer was a public health concern to government, stressing the need for men who were within the age range to embrace voluntary screening and testing, to aid early detection.
"We have found it expedient to increase our awareness of prostate cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer. That is why every October, we put together various activities to promote breast cancer, which has been set aside globally for this particular cancer. This year, we have decided to create awareness for prostate cancer."
"Our goal is to create a healthier society by promoting preventive healthcare measures. Through this initiative, we hope to reach men and facilitate early detection, ultimately saving lives. Even after this exercise, our men can call get screened at any of the secondary facilities for a negligible fee", she said.
One of the beneficiaries of the programme at State Hospital, Abeokuta, Mr. Babatunde Osholake, appreciated the effort of the present administration at improving public healthcare and ensuring the well-being of residents in the state, advising other men to pay attention to their health through regular check-up.
On his part, another beneficiary at State Hospital, Ifo, Mr. Jamiu Alarape, commended government for considering such a health initiative for men, calling for free screening for other cancers, as well.
Goke Gbadamosi & Adeyinka Elujoba,
Press Officers, Ministry of Health
TEACHERS IN OGUN PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO UNDERGO DIGITAL TRAINING
As part of its commitment to effectively reposition the education sector, Ogun State government is planning to train all teachers in public schools in the state on digital training.
Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology in the state, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, made this known during the visit of members of the Readmanna Empowerment Initiative to his office in Abeokuta, saying training teachers on 21st Century teaching methodology was essential for desired improvement and productive outcome.
Prof. Arigbabu added that integrating technology into teaching and learning would assist learners in harnessing their potentials for future endeavours, disclosing that plans were underway to unveil a Laptop Acquisition Programme, tagged, "One Teacher, One Laptop", to boost technological innovations in schools.
"The Ministry, through the directive of the Governor, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved the sponsorship of public school learners to quiz competitions to enable them maximise the opportunity of winning laurels", he said.
Underscoring the purpose of the visit, the Chief Executive Officer of Readmanna Empowerment Initiative, Mrs. Edna Augusto, explained that the organisation’s partnership on digital literacy would arouse learners’ interest in technology innovation and PowerPoint presentation, to help them to compete favourably with their peers locally and internationally.
In another development, Prof. Arigbabu, while playing host to the representatives of Isara Secondary School Old Students’ Association, led by Dr. Oluwatobi Oyefeso, said Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration’s commitment to education and safety of learners had necessitated the engagement of two security guards per school.
He stated that apart from carrying out massive infrastructural developments in schools across the state, government also set up a School Structure Monitoring Committee, to conduct integrity tests on school structures and ensure regular maintenance and rehabilitation.
Ayoola Obadimu,
Press Officer, MOES&T
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