Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has inaugurated an 18-member steering committee for the establishment of the Bayelsa Cancer Treatment and Research Centre, saying communities affected by the environmental and health consequences of oil production deserve access to quality medical care.
Diri stated this at the weekend during the inauguration ceremony at the Government House, Yenagoa. He was represented by his deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe.
Key Highlights
- Diri inaugurated an 18-member committee for the Bayelsa Cancer Treatment and Research Centre.
- The governor linked the state’s cancer burden to concerns over decades of oil pollution.
- The committee will assess the cancer burden and recommend a suitable location for the centre.
- Members will examine equipment, infrastructure, funding, partnerships and manpower requirements.
- Health Commissioner Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe said cancer places a significant financial and emotional burden on Bayelsa families.
- The committee is expected to develop plans for accessible cancer diagnosis and treatment within the state.
Diri said cancer was “no longer a distant disease” in communities across Bayelsa, citing the prevalence of breast, cervical and prostate cancers.
According to him, the situation has resulted in deaths among people in their productive years, while many families are forced to travel to Lagos, Abuja or other countries to access cancer treatment.
“Let me begin with the plain truth: Cancer is no longer a distant disease in our communities. Almost every family in this hall has a story: a mother diagnosed too late; a brother who travelled to Lagos, Abuja or abroad and spent everything they owned on treatment,” he said.
Diri added that breast, cervical and prostate cancers were taking their toll on residents, with some patients unable to access timely treatment because of the cost and distance involved.
“Too many of these deaths are not because the disease cannot be treated, but because treatment was too far away, too expensive, or came too late,” he said.
Diri Raises Concerns Over Oil Pollution
The governor also raised concerns over the possible long-term health implications of oil pollution in the state.
“In Bayelsa, we carry an additional burden. Decades of oil pollution have left their mark on our land, our water, and we fear, on the health of our people. The Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission Report of 2023 raised serious concerns about the long-term health consequences of that exposure,” Diri said.
The Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission’s 2023 report examined pollution’s environmental, economic and health impacts, including a human health impact study.
He described the proposed cancer treatment centre as a health necessity for the state.
“We will not accept a situation where our communities bear the cost of the nation’s wealth and are then left without the care they need. Therefore, a cancer treatment centre in Bayelsa State is not a luxury; it is a matter of health justice,” he said.
Committee Given Terms of Reference
Diri charged the steering committee to conduct an empirical assessment of the cancer burden in Bayelsa State and recommend the most suitable location for the proposed centre.
The committee is also expected to make recommendations on equipment, infrastructure, partnerships and financing options required to establish and operate the facility.
The governor further tasked members with developing plans for recruiting competent manpower, staff training, maintenance, accessibility, and ensuring a steady supply of drugs and other medical consumables.
He said the members were selected based on their competence and years of experience.
Health Commissioner Pledges Commitment
Speaking on behalf of the steering committee, its chairman and Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, thanked Diri for entrusting the members with the responsibility of working towards the establishment of a world-class cancer treatment centre in Bayelsa.
Brisibe said the inauguration demonstrated the Diri administration’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of residents. He described cancer as a growing health and economic burden on families in the state, requiring a coordinated response involving people with relevant expertise.
“First of all, let me appreciate, with deepest gratitude, on behalf of the members of this steering committee, His Excellency the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, for his unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of all Bayelsans,” Brisibe said.
He noted that many families in Bayelsa face significant financial, physical and emotional challenges when they have to travel outside the state or country to access cancer diagnosis and treatment.
“Families in Bayelsa endure the excruciating financial, physical and emotional toll of travelling outside the state and often outside the country, just to access basic diagnostic and therapeutic cancer care. This will end with the mandate for the work we are about to begin,” he said.
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Bayelsa Cancer Centre Steering Committee Members
The 18-member committee is chaired by Health Commissioner Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe. The 17 other members named are:
- Dr. Jones Stow
- Prof. Jumbo Johnbull
- Dr. Boboye Ifie
- Dr. Oluwadare Marcus
- Dr. James Omietimi
- Dr. Ebikapaye Okoyen
- Dr. Ngowari Torunana
- Mrs. Beatrice Olomiete
- Hon. Kingsley Kuku
- Dr. Ibimonye Porbeni
- Mr. Nimifagha Esindu
- Prof. Kelvin Kiridi
- Dr. Timipa Peregha-West
- Magdalene Alabinte
- Prof. Beleudanyo Fente
- Dr. Elizabeth Obiorah
- Dr. Embeleakpo Apere
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