Olayinka: Ekitis in US want Cancer Centre established in her memory

The Ekitis resident in North America have called for the establishment of the Funmilayo Olayinka Cancer Research and Treatment Centre in honour and memory of the late deputy governor of Ekiti State.
Acting under the aegis of Ekiti Focus Group (EFG), the body expressed sadness that Mrs. Olayinka died despite spirited efforts made to save her life in best hospitals within and outside the country.
A statement signed by EFG chairman, Mr. Ayodele Ogunbanwo and the secretary, Mr. Adebanji Dada, described Mrs. Olayinka as a “hardworking, God-fearing, reliable and trustworthy companion” to Governor Fayemi.
“Her untimely departure presents a moment and opportunity to challenge ourselves, and especially, those in power to re-examine the strategies for, and the resources allocated to the sustainable delivery of health care to the masses”, EFG said.
Similarly, the National Association of Yoruba Descendants in North America, has charged governments in Nigeria to wage and sustain war on the scourge of cancer.
The group in a condolence letter to Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on the death of his deputy, Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka, said the war against cancer became necessary since the ailment now accounts for about 11,000 deaths annually in Nigeria.
Describing Mrs. Olayinka’s loss to cancer as a “deep wound in the heart”, the letter which was signed by the group’s president, Mrs. Moni Tenabe, stated that available statistics indicate that cancer killed 7.8 million persons worldwide in 2008 alone adding that the figure could double to 14 million by 2030.
“According to WHO, cancer deaths accounts for 13 per cent of all deaths registered globally. In Nigeria, about 11,000 cancer deaths are recorded annually while 250,000 new cases are corded yearly”, the group said.
The body which is also known as the Egbe Omo Yoruba in North America described Mrs. Olayinka as a “honest leader, a promoter of the best ethical values who spent her short but eventful life promoting justice and human dignity”.