Dickson honours mum, inaugurates cancer centre

Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson has opened a memorial cancer centre in honour of his late mother, Madam Goldcoast Dickson in his country home, Toro-Orua town in Sagbama local government area of Bayelsa state.

Dickson, during the official launching of the centre, attended by former Presidents, Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state, Minister designate and Dr Chris Ngige, said the centre is to carter for the needs of cancer patients in the country.

He said the centre, named after his late mother, is to create awareness about the symptom of the disease because many people go undiagnosed with the ailment.

He said: “Early detection is a priority for the cancer centre, which will make it possible for more people to survive and lessen its mortality rate .

“This centre is also aimed at embarking on research programmes. It has ultra sound room, screening and consulting rooms, a linear accelerator and will provide counseling for patients.

“Niger Delta region lacks the health facilities and institutions to address life threatening diseases, such as cancer, that is why this centre is in place to address these issues,” he said.

Minister designate, Dr Chris Ngige, promised that the federal government will support the centre to succeed.

Chairman of Board of Trustees of the foundation, Prof. Mimi Briggs, said with good facilities on ground the centre will reduce the sufferings of cancer patients.