By Leo Zwànke, Lafia
In a significant stride towards combating breast cancer, the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital (FUTH) has inaugurated a state-of-the-art mammography centre, thanks to a partnership with TotalEnergies. This new facility promises life-saving benefits for women in Nasarawa State, offering accessible breast cancer diagnosis and treatment without the need for long-distance travel.
The hospital, under the leadership of Chief Medical Director Dr. Ikrama Hassan, has worked tirelessly to bring this high-tech equipment to Lafia, addressing the urgent need for breast cancer care in the region. Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among Nigerian women, with over 14,000 fatalities annually, according to the Global Cancer Observatory. FUTH Lafia aims to reduce this alarming mortality rate by providing affordable and accessible healthcare services within the state.
Amina Yakubu, a local resident, shared her relief at the new facility, recounting the challenges her family faced when her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. “We had to travel to Abuja for treatment, which was costly and time-consuming,” she said. “Now, women in Nasarawa can access care here. It’s a huge relief for families like mine.”
The mammography centre is expected to serve not only Lafia but the entire Nasarawa State, benefiting women from rural areas with limited access to transportation and healthcare. Fatima Abdullahi, a small business owner from Keffi, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I always worried about the costs of getting checked. Now, knowing I can receive care in Lafia feels like a weight has been lifted.”
Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, the Deputy Governor, officially inaugurated the centre, stressing its importance in early breast cancer detection, which he believes will save lives and prevent unnecessary suffering. “The earlier we detect breast cancer, the better the chances for treatment. This facility gives our mothers, sisters, and daughters a fighting chance,” he said.
The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Gaza Gwamna, also commended the centre, highlighting its potential to strengthen public health. “With early diagnosis, women can remain healthy and be there for their families and communities,” he noted.
TotalEnergies, through its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, contributed the mammography machine, which will enable timely diagnosis. Mrs. Tonye Osifo, Acting General Manager of CSR, remarked, “This centre is a symbol of hope. Women who previously delayed detection due to costs or travel now have an accessible option.”
The Emir of Lafia, His Royal Highness Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I, thanked TotalEnergies for its support and lauded Dr. Hassan’s leadership in making healthcare more accessible. “This is a beacon of hope for our community and demonstrates the power of partnerships to improve lives,” he said.
FUTH Lafia’s new mammography centre represents a significant leap in healthcare access for the women of Nasarawa State, offering not just equipment, but the promise of a healthier, more secure future.
