By Hussaini Yero, Funtua
The Wife of Zamfara State Governor, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, on Thursday led a powerful school-based cancer awareness campaign across five girls’ secondary schools in the state, urging young women to embrace preventive healthcare and early screening against breast and cervical cancer.
The campaign, held in commemoration of Cancer Awareness Month, carried the theme “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters.” The First Lady said the message underscores the importance of compassion, solidarity, and early knowledge in the fight against cancer.
“As women, we face health challenges such as breast and cervical cancer,” Hajiya Huriyya said. “Let us prioritize our health and encourage others to do the same. Gaining early knowledge and awareness is vital—it helps you make wise choices, care for yourselves and others, and build a healthier future for our society.”
She emphasized that this year’s global theme, “United by Unique,” reinforces unity and collective strength in confronting health challenges that affect women worldwide.
“My dear daughters, you are the future of Zamfara. Health is a gift, and knowledge is power. With courage and care, we can prevent, detect, and treat cancer. No one should face it alone,” she added.
The sensitization exercise covered Government Girls Arabic Secondary School Gusau, Government Girls Secondary School Tudun Wada, Government Girls Day Secondary School Gadabiyu, Sarkin Kudu Government Girls Secondary School, and Government Girls Secondary School Samaru.
Chairperson of the Zamfara Women Medical Association, Dr. Khadijat Kanoma, highlighted the crucial role of young girls in spreading awareness. “Students are vital links in every society. The knowledge they gain here can be transferred to families and communities,” she said.
Dr. Kanoma disclosed that the First Lady had approved free screening and treatment for 200 women across the state—representing a 100% increase from last year’s outreach.
She urged continuous education on early detection, vaccination, and routine medical checks, while schools remain focal points for ongoing awareness.
The Principal of Government Girls Arabic Secondary School, Gusau, Hajiya Kulu Shehu, commended the initiative and pledged to extend the campaign’s lessons beyond the school environment.
“This opportunity will be transformed into community action to reduce cancer risks among women and girls in Zamfara,” she affirmed.
The First Lady’s initiative marks a significant stride in Zamfara’s fight against breast and cervical cancer—empowering young women with the knowledge to protect their health and inspire a healthier generation.
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