Pink Polo Tournament: MTN commended over breast cancer initiative

The First Ladies of Kaduna and Niger States have hailed MTN Nigeria for throwing its weight behind the fight against breast cancer in Nigeria.

The commendation was given during the MTN Pink Polo Exhibition, the annual Breast Cancer awareness event that drew the curtain on the 2016 MTN African Patrons Cup Polo Tournament.

Speaking during the event, Amina Abubakar Bello, the First lady of Niger State and MTN Pink Polo Day Ambassador, stated that the tournament seeks to draw attention of Nigerians to the devastating effects of cancer using the game of polo.

“Breast cancer is the deadliest amongst all the cancers that affect women. Polo on the other hand is widely acknowledged as the game of kings and the king of games. We feel the Pink Polo Tournament platform will draw the attention of not only kings but also the wider public to the menace of Cancer in Nigeria. Beyond the exciting polo on display, we are also reminded of the plight of women whose lives have been adversely affected by the cancer scourge, not only in the country but the world over.” She said

In her welcome address, Hadiza Nasir El-Rufai, the First Lady of Kaduna State and Chief host of the event called for concerted efforts from all key stakeholders in the fight against the deadly scourge called cancer. According to her, increased awareness and advocacy as well as public/private partnership would help stem the effects of cancer in the country.

In her words, “We need all hands to be on deck if we are going to successfully stave off the threat of cancer in Nigeria.

I hereby call on well-meaning corporate bodies, organizations and well-placed individuals to join hands with us in this initiative.”

Also speaking during the event was the Senior Manager, Master Brand, MTN Nigeria, Emamoke Ogoro, who led the delegation to the event. While thanking the Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Resort, for partnering with MTN to organize the tournament, she expressed optimism that the event would not only help raise the profile of the game of polo in Nigeria but also drum up support for breast cancer awareness.

“The whole Pink Polo initiative is in line with a number of other breast cancer initiatives around the world. The idea is to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer.

We are delighted at the response we have gotten so far and we are optimistic that we have been able to touch lives through this initiative.” Ogoro said.

Highlights of the Pink Polo day included an international polo exhibition match,  awareness lectures on breast cancer, screening and counselling all for the better cause of a healthier life for women and the community.

Kemi Ajumobi