THE Federal Government has renamed an oncology centre at the National Hospital Abuja after a former First Lady, Maryam Sani Abacha.
Tbis is following a request made by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Mrs Tinubu had previously called for the renaming of the radiotherapy unit at the National Hospital, Abuja, as a tribute to Maryam Abacha’s contributions to the hospital’s establishment.
She made this appeal during the hospital’s 25th-anniversary celebration, themed “Celebrating 25 Years of Quality Healthcare Services and Specialized Medical Care.”
In her remarks, the First Lady emphasized that the National Hospital was made possible due to the foresight and efforts of Maryam Abacha.
She stated that renaming the oncology centre would serve as a lasting recognition of her contributions to medical infrastructure and cancer care in Nigeria.
Mrs Tinubu also commended the hospital for its critical role in healthcare delivery, both nationally and internationally, particularly in training specialized medical professionals, including oncologists, radiologists, and surgical specialists.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammed Ali Pate, highlighted the hospital’s growth over the past 25 years. Initially established to cater to women’s and pediatric health, it has since expanded into a multidisciplinary tertiary healthcare institution.
The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Professor Mahmud Raji, reported significant progress in reducing reliance on government funding through increased internally generated revenue.
With the official renaming now in effect, the Maryam Abacha Oncology Centre stands as a testament to the legacy and contributions of Nigeria’s former First Lady to the nation’s healthcare sector, particularly in the field of oncology and cancer management.
