Women with disabilities in Badagry have received practical training on cancer awareness, early detection, and support services during a health education programme organized by the Centre for Media Advocacy for the Disabled (CMAD) in collaboration with the Ola-Oki Memorial Foundation and the Association of Persons with Disabilities, Badagry Headquarters.
The cancer awareness training session was held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Ola-Oki Hospital in Ibereko along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway, as part of activities marking the second edition of CMAD’s International Women’s Day initiative. The programme focused on empowering women with disabilities with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize early signs of cancer and seek timely medical attention.
In his welcome address, the Executive Director of CMAD, Sejoro Ekundayo, described the training as a critical intervention aimed at reducing preventable deaths among women with disabilities through improved awareness and access to health information. He noted that many women with disabilities face significant barriers in accessing healthcare services, particularly in the areas of cancer prevention and screening.
Ekundayo emphasized that the theme of the programme, “Give to Gain: Empowering Women with Disabilities Through Cancer Awareness, Early Detection, and Support,” reflects the importance of investing in knowledge, prevention, and community support systems. He encouraged participants to listen attentively, ask questions, and make use of available screening opportunities, stressing that early detection remains one of the most effective ways to save lives.
During the training session, Mrs. Senami Oki, Executive Director of the Ola-Oki Memorial Foundation, educated participants on the meaning of cancer, explaining that cancer is a group of diseases in which body cells grow abnormally and may form tumors that can spread to other parts of the body if not detected early.
She highlighted common types of cancer affecting women, particularly breast and cervical cancers, and advised participants to carry out regular breast self-examinations and attend routine medical screenings. She also explained the importance of vaccination and medical tests in preventing certain types of cancer and improving treatment outcomes.
Mrs. Oki further addressed the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing healthcare services, including transportation difficulties, inaccessible health facilities, communication barriers, and limited availability of sign language interpreters. She called for stronger collaboration among healthcare providers, government agencies, and disability organizations to ensure inclusive and accessible cancer screening services.
Participants were also encouraged to prioritize regular medical checkups and seek medical attention promptly whenever they notice unusual changes in their bodies.
The organizers expressed appreciation to the management of Ola-Oki Hospital for providing the venue and professional support, as well as to partner organizations working to promote inclusive healthcare and cancer awareness among persons with disabilities in Badagry.
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