Mrs Turai Yar’Adua, wife of Nigeria’s former president, Umaru Yar’Adua once had a grand dream to build a cancer centre in the Nigerian capital that will cater especially for the poor.
On July 18, 2009, she assembled the Nigerian rich and government contractors to a fundraising in Abuja, which was also attended by his usually taciturn husband, battling some complicated diseases at the time.
“My resolve to stand up to the menace of cancer is occasioned by the devastating effects of the disease on our population. The more enlightened and financially capable among Nigerians suffering from cancer have been able to travel out to seek professional and medical attention in the form of diagnosis and treatments,” Turai said.
Financial pledges made by the galaxy of guests to actualise her dream amounted to N6.8 billion.
The International Cancer Centre, (ICC)Abuja was born.
But since then, apart from the imposing structure on the Umaru Yar’Adua Express Road, the project is now virtually abandoned.
Turai Yar’Adua International Cancer Centre abandoned
