The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) yesterday commenced the construction of the N2.5billion cancer and diagnostic facility in Kwara State.
The initiative is the brainchild of Abdul Samad Rabiu, founder and chairman of BUA Group of Companies.
Speaking at the foundation laying ceremony in Kwara State, the managing director and chief executive officer of ASR Africa, Dr Ubong Udoh, said the project would be completed in 12 months.
Udoh said BUA selected four states – Sokoto, Ogun, Benin and Kwara for the grant, totaling N10 billion, which would later be spread across the six geopolitical zones for a balanced spread across the country.
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Dr Ubong said BUA investments in health would have a significant impact in reversing medical tourism in Nigeria, especially on cancer treatment.
According to him, the interventions are warranted by applications from states, individuals and institutions, among others, which are subjected to needs assessment before implementation.
“We are not just targeting the health sector; we have done N13.5billion in grants to 30 universities in the education sector. We are building 16 projects internationally in the Republic of Ghana and Niger, including a N10b grants to the security agencies and the armed forces, which is being implemented as we speak, among others.
Speaking at the event, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq thanked BUA for considering Kwara as one of the beneficiaries of his philanthropic gestures.
He added that the project, which is the first in the entire North Central, would help to position the state as the go-to for cancer treatment.
